Breaking down Penn State Football's must-win game for 2025
J.D. PicKell of On3 recently released his 'Best games for every week of the CFB season' list. Penn State appeared once: November 1 at Ohio State.
The Buckeyes have long decimated the Nittany Lions in their clashes, winning 10 of 11 against James Franklin, including eight straight dating back to 2017.
Fortunately for Franklin and Penn State, this looks like their best returning roster in recent memory. Quarterback Drew Allar needs to take the next step into stardom, but should be heavily aided by the dynamic one-two running back punch of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
Plus, the Nittany Lions have some absolute weapons on defense. EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton is coming off an 8.5-sack performance. CB A.J. Harris has first-round potential. DT Zane Durant is a handful for all interior offensive linemen. Those are just some of the top dogs.
Perhaps most importantly for Penn State is the experience gained from 2024. While they fell short to Notre Dame in the National Semifinals, it was a breakthrough campaign for Franklin and his team should carry that confidence and knowledge into 2025.
Ultimately, Franklin has to beat the Buckeyes. His job security has swung in the balance for years, and Penn State's inclusion in last year's 12-team playoff bought him more time.
But, even though they made it within one game of the National Championship, the SMU/Boise State path was relatively easy, and skepticism remains widespread toward Franklin.
All eyes will be on the Big Ten on November 1, and the Nittany Lions', as well as Franklin's, futures may depend on that game.
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