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Here’s where the latest bowl predictions have Penn State football playing

By Alec Whitaker

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions leads his team onto the field prior to the start of a game against the Washington Huskies during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions leads his team onto the field prior to the start of a game against the Washington Huskies during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Oct 12, 1991; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Hurricanes head coach Dennis Erickson (right) shakes hands with Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 1991; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Hurricanes head coach Dennis Erickson (right) shakes hands with Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports /

Orange Bowl (Brad Crawford, 247 Sports)

Brad Crawford of 247 Sports is giving Penn State football fans something to be excited about as he has the Nittany Lions facing UNC in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.

This would be a massive matchup for both teams as they find themselves recruiting against each other more often in the recent years.

Led by sophomore quarterback Drake Maye, the Tar Heels offense is on a roll. Maye has completed 70.1% of his passes for 3,412 yards, 34 touchdowns and just three interceptions this season. He is the main reason UNC is 9-1.

The Tar Heels offense scores over 40 points a game, but the defense is giving up 31.3 points per game. UNC is winning games by outscoring people.

Penn State’s offense has hit its stride since the loss to Michigan. In the last four games, the Nittany Lions are averaging 37.8 points per game. Penn State should be able to put up points in this game, even if some players opt out.

Like with UCF and Ole Miss, the UNC offense would be a massive challenge for the Penn State defense, especially if cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is unable to play. UNC could have some opt outs of its own though.

This would be the most entertaining matchup for Penn State football. The Nittany Lions have not been to the Orange Bowl since defeating Florida State 26-23 in double overtime in 2006.

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