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Staff Picks: final Penn State Football record and bowl predictions for 2022

By Nick Kreiser

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 25: A detailed view of a Nike football with Penn State Nittany Lions logo on the field during the second half of the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on September 25, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 25: A detailed view of a Nike football with Penn State Nittany Lions logo on the field during the second half of the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on September 25, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 9: Quarterback Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions leaps during the first half over defensive back Dane Belton #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium on October 9, 2021 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 9: Quarterback Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions leaps during the first half over defensive back Dane Belton #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium on October 9, 2021 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Chris Snyder (wrestling contributor)

Record: 10-2

Bowl Prediction: Orange Bowl

“Hold up Chris, 10-2? I though you hated Penn State Football?”

Yes, random VBR reader, you do have a valid point. While I certainly do not “hate Penn State Football”, I have been very critical of the success (or lack thereof) that James Franklin and company have had recently.

Well I’m bucking that trend and I’m all-in on this year’s Nittany Lions!*

So why the sudden change of heart and why am I sold on this year’s team? I’ll explain.

This all has to do with my belief and faith in both Mike Yurcich and Manny Diaz.

Yurcich has proven year after year that he has one of the best offensive minds in the nation and there is zero chance the offense will be as inept and un-dynamic as it was last season. The offensive line is, for all intents and purposes, completely overhauled this year and while they will be far from a massive strength of the 2022 team, they won’t by a liability.

And for all of his warts, Sean Clifford can be a darn good college quarterback … at least most of the time. The continuity of the system along with having a viable backup in Christian Veilleux are all plusses in my book.

I look for the offense to be consistent and explosive at times, and for the running game to be revamped and reinvigorated.

As for my faith in Manny Diaz? This has everything to do with NRE.

Diaz’s New Relationship Energy with James Franklin and Penn State will give a spark to the talented defensive unit, and I think they will be a force to reckon with for opposing teams. This is even with an inexperienced and unproven linebacking corps.

The disruptive ability of the defensive line coupled with a seasoned, ball-hawking secondary will allow the young linebackers to get up to game speed and gain confidence with each snap.

Just having someone other than Brent Pry calling the defense and giving the other team different looks for one season will be enough of a boost.

Speaking of “bucking that trend”, if Penn State does go 10-2 in the upcoming season, it will mean several longtime and not-so-great James Franklin trends will end. Of course, this is predicated on my prediction that the Nittany Lions will lose to Ohio State and either Michigan or Michigan State to complete the 10-2 campaign.

First, this means that this will be the first year a James Franklin led Penn State Football team will not lose a completely inexplicable game. Secondly, it will mean the Nittany Lions will not lose a second consecutive game following their first loss of the season. Lastly, (assuming they beat Michigan), it will mean the Nittany Lions don’t lose a game following a bye week.

Now, am I asking a lot for all of this to happen? Yes.

Will there be some horrendous gameday play calling and costly time management mistakes? Guaranteed.

In the end, the talent of this year’s Penn State Football team, along with the experience at QB and other key positions on the field, and with the drive and ability of two important coordinators, will lift the 2022 Nittany Lions to heights they haven’t seen in several years. **

Book it!

*- Dear die-hard, lifelong Penn State Football fan: in the current climate of college football and with Ohio State in your division and conference, yes, going 10-2 does constitute as going “all-in”.

**- It’s either this or they will be 7-5 and lose another terrible bowl game.

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