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

Penn State's chances of making the Big Ten championship game are low, but the Nittany Lions are still firmly in the Playoff mix.

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.