Penn State rooting guide to make Big Ten championship game. Before the Nittany Lions’ preferred scenario is laid out, it’s worth considering that it might be better for them n

A one-possession loss to one of the most talented teams in the country is not something to dwell on. So, let’s dwell instead on what James Franklin’s team has done in its other six Big Ten games.

No. 4 Penn State travels to face off against Minnesota in a pivotal Big Ten matchup on Saturday. The Nittany Lions sit on the precipice of a trip to the College Football Playoff with two weeks remaining and have won their last two games by a combined 85-16.

Ohio State scored two touchdowns against Penn State earlier this month. Before that, USC found the end zone three times. Penn State’s other five Big 10 foes have four touchdowns combined. Those are also the only two teams to top 13 points during the conference slate, and Minnesota’s offense isn’t primed to match what those teams achieved.

With Penn State's strong push for a spot in the College Football Playoff still a couple of wins from completion, the biggest roadblock to a bid for the Nittany Lions in this favorable final third of their schedule has appeared with a trip to Minnesota.

Penn State is in prime position for a spot in the new 12-team College Football Playoff and still in the mix to make the Big Ten championship game

With Penn State’s strong push for a spot in the College Football Playoff still a couple of wins from completion, the biggest roadblock to a bid for the Nittany Lions in this favorable final third of their schedule has arrived: a trip to Minnesota.