Big Ten power rankings entering Week 2: How far does Penn State rise?
3. team. 806. . 1-0 (1-0). . Nittany Lions
The Nittany Lions made quite the statement on Saturday when they came out of Camp Randall victorious over Wisconsin.
Coming off of a 4-5 campaign in 2020, James Franklin needed to prove that his team was back, and it looks like he did just that.
Offensively, Penn State did not play their best, but that was expected considering it was the first game under new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich. Add in that they were playing a top ten defense from 2020 on the road and you could expect some issues.
Sean Clifford came alive in the second half though and linked up with star wideout Jahan Dotson on a 49-yard score. The Nittany Lions could’ve put up 20 in the second half, but missed a field goal and an extra point.
The defense was better than most expected with safety Jaquan Brisker, linebacker Ellis Brooks and defensive end Arnold Ebiketie all having big days. Giving up just 10 points while having three takeaways and a blocked field goal was an impressive showing. If that unit continues to play at this level, Penn State will be hard to beat.
The offense should figure itself out, and when it does, Penn State becomes one of the more complete teams in the conference.