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Here’s where Penn State Football’s opponents rank in the AP Poll

By Alec Whitaker

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Cade McNamara #12 of the Michigan Wolverines meets with Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions on the field after the game at Beaver Stadium on November 13, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Cade McNamara #12 of the Michigan Wolverines meets with Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions on the field after the game at Beaver Stadium on November 13, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 18: Brenton Strange #86 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is shoved out of bounds near the end zone by Zion Puckett #11 and Smoke Monday #21 of the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 18: Brenton Strange #86 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is shoved out of bounds near the end zone by Zion Puckett #11 and Smoke Monday #21 of the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Receiving Votes

Penn State football will also face multiple teams who had an argument to be in the preseason top 25.

Minnesota (31 votes)

The Minnesota Golden Gophers were one of the most banged up teams in the country in 2021. They return veteran quarterback Tanner Morgan and Heisman dark horse running back Mohamed Ibrahim in 2022. These two are the heart and soul of this team.

Minnesota comes to Happy Valley on Oct. 22 for the White Out.

Purdue (17 votes)

The upset-minded Purdue Boilermakers got some respect from the AP voters this year. Bringing back one of the conference’s best quarterbacks in Aidan O’Connell certainly helps, but a lot of the start power from last year’s squad is gone. Regardless, Purdue also seems to have some kind of magic.

Penn State opens the season at Purdue on Sept. 1.

Auburn (15 votes)

The Auburn Tigers did not have a great season last year. After heading into Penn State 2-0 last year, they finished 6-7. Quarterback Bo Nix transferred to Oregon, but the talented running back duo of Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter returns. The defense should be better, as multiple stars in the front seven are back.

Penn State will travel to Auburn on Sept. 17.

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