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Penn State Football: Ranking Nittany Lions’ toughest remaining games

By Matt Lombardo

Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin (Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports)
Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin (Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Oct 30, 2020; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins linebacker Chance Campbell (44) reacts after the play during the fourth quarter against the Maryland Terrapins A quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2020; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins linebacker Chance Campbell (44) reacts after the play during the fourth quarter against the Maryland Terrapins A quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. vs. Maryland Terrapins

The Maryland game is the toughest remaining game on the schedule for many reasons, not the least of which because it is Penn State’s next game.

James Franklin might have a bit of a Herculean task on his hands, keeping his team focused and motivated after a shocking and deflating Week 1 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers and a second half comeback bid falling short last Saturday night against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Penn State is prohibitive favorites on Saturday at Beaver Stadium, and likely the more talented team, but don’t underestimate the motivation of head coach Mike Locksley’s Terrapins. This has been as one-sided of a rivalry that exists in the Big Ten that it is almost a stretch to label it one, but these two programs have had some bitter recruiting battles in the coveted DMV, so Locksley’s bunch is plenty motivated to further bury Penn State.

If the Nittany Lions trip up again, and fall to 0-3, it could get disastrous in Happy Valley with draft eligible players possibly opting out and the focus of the remaining games simply getting playing time for true freshman for valuable reps ahead of 2021.

The Nittany Lions should win this game, and win comfortably, but Maryland can’t be dismissed summarily because of the starts these two programs have had to the 2020 season.

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