Just like that, Penn State football is back in the discussion for the Rose Bowl.
A week ago it looked like either the Outback Bowl or the College Football Playoff, but no in-between. The New Year’s Six picture is very crowded and the Citrus Bowl would likely pass on Penn State due to their agreement with the Big Ten.
With Minnesota’s loss in Iowa City last week, Penn State is the second-highest ranked Big Ten team again. The Nittany Lions are not quite a lock for the Rose Bowl, but if the following sequence of events plays out and nothing 2007-esque happens, Penn State will be in Pasadena for New Year’s Day:
If Penn State loses to Ohio State:
- Penn State would drop behind Minnesota and maybe Michigan in the CFP ranking.