Penn State football stays put on AP Top-25 poll despite destroying Maryland
Penn State football pulled off a nice win against Maryland, but the score wasn’t impressive enough to move them up in the AP Top-25 Poll.
It was a long week leading up to Friday night’s showdown with Maryland for Penn State football. After they squeaked out a win against their in-state foes, the Pittsburgh Panthers, the Nittany Lions had the next week off to prepare and rest up for their bye.
Upon their return though, Penn State had to play what was assumed to be their toughest game to date. It was Penn State’s first Big Ten Conference action, going against Maryland, who looked quite impressive during their first two matchups.
However, Maryland’s loss against Temple during week three kind of killed the Terps momentum — and nobody really considered that though, as there were still a few narratives that Penn State might not be able to pull off a win on the road for the first time this season.
“Upset alert,” is what some writers considered Penn State to be on. Considering that Maryland planned to host their ‘blackout’ and sold out the stadium, the crowd seemed to be the biggest factor going against Penn State as they had a first-time starter at quarterback playing his first road game. Well, that entire narrative about Penn State potentially struggling got shot down quickly — because from start to finish, Penn State handled Maryland with ease.
And by the time the clock struck zero in the fourth quarter, a shut out was confirmed as Penn State took a 59-0 victory back to Happy Valley. The record improves, and the confidence skyrockets as Penn State put together an impressive win — but the AP Top-25 poll voters aren’t as impressed as others.
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On Sunday afternoon, the Week 5 results came out. Heading into the week, Penn State was ranked at No. 12 after jumping up one spot, despite not playing last week. After their victory over Maryland though, there hasn’t been a change. It looks like Penn State will have to top Purdue with ease next week to be considered for another jump in rankings. For now, though, they will stay put at No. 12 as they go into week six.