What was once a somewhat futile effort so early in the season has become a real thing to think about as Penn State’s postseason destination slowly takes form as the season rolls to nearly the midway point. The Nittany Lions still have their biggest games ahead of them but a 5-0 start and plenty of points have helped keep Penn State’s hopes high. Here are a few bowl projections from around the internet as the Nittany Lions head into the bye week.
ESPN, CBS: Alabama in the Peach Bowl
Alabama’s more interesting games are still further down the road but for now the Tide continue – not unlike Penn State – down a path of “I guess we shall see.” No matter how these team’s respective seasons go, ending with a New Year’s Six matchup wouldn’t be a bad way to go. Alabama has a chance to pick up some wins down the road that could change its postseason destination but for now the Tide are on the outside looking in of the final year of the four-team playoff. Here’s to a classic matchup if the Nittany Lions don’t make the playoffs themselves.
ESPN: USC in the Fiesta Bowl
USC has had a strange season balancing a ton of points with a complete lack of defense. The Trojans are as good as anyone in America at putting up points but haven’t been overly impressive on the other side of the ball. That hasn’t helped USC all that much in the rankings. Games against Utah, Oregon and Washington will do a lot of change USC’s national perception, but it’s hard to imagine this team winning all of those games with that defense. USC is about to be a common opponent on Penn State’s schedule, but no time like the present to get into the swing of things. The Fiesta Bowl is also a good time away from the field itself.
Action Network, 247 Network: North Carolina in Orange Bowl
UNC continues to bounce around postseason projections as a potential Penn State opponent and while the Orange Bowl continues to be a fun location to contemplate, compared to USC and Alabama, the Tar Heels lack the same sex appeal that those other two teams have. Miami, Duke and Clemson will all have something to say about how Mack Browns’ latest team finishes off the year.
