## Penn State’s Playoff Hopes Hanging By A Thread After Ohio State Loss
Penn State’s dream of reaching the College Football Playoff took a major hit on Saturday with a 20-13 loss to Ohio State.
The loss was Penn State’s ninth against the Buckeyes since Coach James Franklin took over in 2014, leaving his record against Ohio State at a dismal 1-10.
While Ohio State frequently punched their ticket to the playoff in those previous losses, Penn State’s path now looks much tougher. The Nittany Lions currently stand at 7-1, with a 7-1 record and all of their victories coming in regulation.
However, the expanded 12-team playoff format requires more than just wins, Penn State’s standing compared to other top teams will be crucial.
This Tuesday’s playoff committee rankings will provide a clearer picture of the Nittany Lions’ chances.
A first-round playoff bye is also less certain, although still possible. The top four playoff seeds typically go to conference champions from Power Five conferences.
A major factor in Penn State’s Big Ten title hopes is the loss. The conference now has a new format with top two teams from each division qualifying for the championship. Notably, Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State are among a group of four Big Ten teams currently with fewer than two conference losses.
Penn State’s path to the playoff hinges on the remaining slate of games.
The Nittany Lions now face a schedule that includes:
* **Saturday, November 9:** vs. Washington
* **Saturday, November 16:** at Purdue
* **Saturday, November 23:** at Minnesota
* **Saturday, November 30:** vs. Maryland
Penn State can finish the season with an impressive 11-1 record if they win the rest of their games. They might still be in the playoff conversation if that happens.
With four games remaining, the season’s final outcome remains in Penn State’s hands.
