Penn State Predicted 10 Wins, Playoff Spot by Kirk Herbstreit
Kirk Herbstreit, a well-known ESPN college football analyst, has made a bold prediction for Penn State’s upcoming season. He believes the Nittany Lions are positioned to win 10 games and could even earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. The main reason for his optimism is Penn State’s favorable schedule, which lets the team avoid several of the Big Ten’s top programs.
Herbstreit shared his thoughts during a recent event at Raising Cane’s “The Mothership” on Highland Road, where he was working with owner and founder Todd Graves. So, why is Herbstreit so high on Penn State’s chances this season?
Herbstreit’s Analysis of Penn State’s Schedule
Herbstreit emphasized that Penn State’s schedule plays a major role in his prediction. The Nittany Lions won’t face Ohio State, Oregon, or Indiana, three teams he considers among the best in the Big Ten. Avoiding those high-level opponents gives Penn State a clearer path to piling up wins.
Key Opponents Penn State Avoids
By missing out on matchups against:
- Ohio State – The top-ranked team in the Big Ten
- Oregon – A team loaded with talent
- Indiana – The defending national champions
Penn State avoids three of the toughest teams in the conference. That’s a meaningful advantage and could greatly improve the team’s chances of putting together a strong season.
Big Ten and SEC: A New Level of Depth
Herbstreit also pointed to the depth of the Big Ten and SEC this year. He said that while the Big Ten is strong, the SEC is just as deep. LSU, Texas A&M, and Georgia are all expected to perform at a high level.
Potential SEC Contenders
Herbstreit pointed out several SEC teams that could make a splash this season:
- LSU – Known for their depth and talent
- Texas A&M – An obvious contender
- Georgia – Playing with a chip on their shoulder
- Texas – With high expectations surrounding Arch Manning
Those teams should be strong competitors, adding even more depth and excitement to the SEC.
Penn State’s Home and Away Games
The Big Ten released its conference dates, and Penn State’s schedule features a mix of home and away games. The Nittany Lions will host Wisconsin, USC, Purdue, Minnesota, and Rutgers. They’ll travel to Northwestern, Michigan, Washington, and Maryland.
Notably, no power-conference team appears on Penn State’s nonconference slate.
Home Games
Key home games for Penn State include:
- Wisconsin
- USC – Likely a white-out game on Oct. 10
- Purdue
- Minnesota
- Rutgers
Away Games
Important away games for Penn State are:
- Northwestern
- Michigan – Following the USC game on Oct. 17
- Washington
- Maryland
With seven home games on the schedule, Penn State has a favorable setup for a successful season.
Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics
Penn State enters the year ranked 18th in the AP poll under first-year coach Matt Campbell. Campbell arrived from Iowa State and brought more than 20 former Iowa State players with him through the transfer portal.
That influx of talent and experience could be a game-changer for the Nittany Lions.
Impact of Matt Campbell
Campbell’s arrival has generated plenty of buzz and high expectations:
- He has a proven track record at Iowa State
- Bringing over 20 players from Iowa State adds depth and familiarity
- His coaching style could be the key to unlocking Penn State’s potential
Michigan also has a first-year coach, Kyle Whittingham, who came from Utah to replace Sherrone Moore. Penn State will face Michigan during its homecoming game this season.
Season Opener and Key Dates
Penn State hosts Marshall today at 2:30 p.m. CT on FS1. The Nittany Lions then play at Temple on Sept. 12 and host Buffalo on Sept. 19 before opening Big Ten play against Wisconsin on Sept. 26.
A white-out game against USC on Oct. 10 and a trip to Michigan on Oct. 17 are crucial dates to mark on the calendar. The Big Ten championship game is set for Dec. 5.
Nonconference Games
The nonconference slate includes:
- Marshall – Season opener
- Temple – Away game on Sept. 12
- Buffalo – Home game on Sept. 19
Conference Games
Key conference games include:
- Wisconsin – Big Ten opener on Sept. 26
- USC – Potential white-out game on Oct. 10
- Michigan – Away game on Oct. 17
Conclusion
Kirk Herbstreit’s prediction for Penn State’s season rests on a favorable schedule and a few strategic advantages. The Nittany Lions avoid some of the Big Ten’s toughest teams, giving them a clear path to 10 wins and perhaps a spot in the College Football Playoff.
With a new coach, an influx of talent, and a balanced mix of home and away games, Penn State looks well-positioned for a successful season. For more details on Herbstreit’s analysis, you can read the full article on the Dallas Sports Journal.
