Penn State football considered CFB Playoff Sleepers

Could Penn State football seriously sneak their way into the CFB Playoffs?

This year, Penn State football is expected to look much different than they have in previous seasons. The most obvious difference will be the fact that the Nittany Lions will be running an offense with their three-year starter, Trace McSorley at the helm.

McSorley was great for the Nittany Lions, no doubt. And he will be a tough act to follow for the next man up. However, just because McSorley set the bar high for the next quarterback, doesn’t exactly mean the next quarterback can’t take it and raise it even higher.

Right now, it’s unclear who Penn State’s quarterback will be in 2019. Sophomore passer Sean Clifford seems to be the logical choice, but Freshman quarterback Will Levis is looking to put up some stiff competition. Regardless of who wins, the Lions will feel confident.

As a youthful team at the top of the depth chart, the Lions are viewed within the Big Ten as solid competitors — but more for the future. Anonymous Big Ten coach’s revealed earlier in the week that Penn State is a good young team, but aren’t seen as ‘win-now’ competitors.

Within the conference, it’s become a clear opinion that Penn State falls behind Michigan and Ohio State in the rankings. In all reality, though, the top of the conference is wide open. And while the Nittany Lions have tons of question marks, the unknown about them could shock the NCAA.

Knowing there are so many unknowns, we don’t want to jump the gun on any predictions and assumptions. So instead, I’ll let others do the talking. And by others, I mean the L.A. Times. Recently, L.A. Times staff writer J. Brady McCollough put together his four sleeper teams for the College Football Playoffs. And to our surprise, the Nittany Lions made the cut.

How could that be?

"“The Nittany Lions lose quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Miles Sanders, but they’ve been recruiting at a high level and should have a fierce defense. A soft early schedule should allow the offense to find its footing before playing at Iowa, hosting Michigan and traveling to Michigan State. There’s a universe in which Penn State has one loss heading into the Nov. 23 showdown at Ohio State, which means the Nittany Lions are worth keeping an eye on.”"

Strength of schedule is always hard to judge because you never know how a team could end up playing out. There are many unknowns in college football. Just like Penn State is one of those teams who do not have a real identity quite yet.

Is it a longshot for the Lions to make the NCAA’s final four when it’s all said and done? You could say that — but there truly is no reason to rule these guys out before the season even gets started. The defense, headlined by young stars such as Micah Parsons and Yetur Gross-Matos will be tough to move the ball on. And who knows, the offense could end up being highly productive if they get into an early groove and hit their stride as a unit.