WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Fans and media from outside the expansive Big Ten footprint criticized Penn State’s No. 4 position in this week’s College Football Playoff rankings.
They contended that the Nittany Lions should be ranked lower because they don’t have a win over a team in this week’s CFP and Associated Press polls. Never mind that their only loss has been to Ohio State, the No. 2 team in the country, or that No. 3 Texas also has no Top 25 wins.
Penn State players and coaches kept doing what they’ve done every week, and that’s focusing on the task at hand.
“Our goals are no secret,” wide receiver Liam Clifford said. “We want to make the playoff and not only make the playoff but make a run and win the national championship. That has to start with this week, going 1-0 against Purdue. Those goals won’t happen if we don’t do that.”
The Lions (5-1, 8-1) are four-touchdown favorites to beat the Boilermakers (0-6, 1-8) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. (TV-CBS) at Ross-Ade Stadium.
They rebounded from their 20-13 loss to the Buckeyes by pummeling Washington 35-6 last week at Beaver Stadium, They can lock up a berth in the 12-team CFP by finishing the regular season with wins over Purdue, Minnesota and Maryland.
The Boilermakers, who have lost eight straight, aren’t expected to provide much resistance. Out of 133 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision, they rank 127th in scoring, 121st in total offense, 128th in points allowed and 121st in yards allowed.
Ryan Walters, who’s in his second season at Purdue, fired offensive coordinator Graham Harrell early last month and took over play-calling duties, even though he comes from a defensive background.
The Boilermakers were shut out by Ohio State (45-0) and Oregon (35-0) in the last three games. It’s no wonder that Penn State and coach James Franklin are looking inward and trying to improve in several areas.
“We started out early in the year playing really good in the second half,” Franklin said. “Last week we played as good of a first half as I think we’ve played. We gotta put it together for four quarters and have a killer mindset. Keep our foot on the pedal for four quarters.”
The Lions have been efficient in their passing game, but not consistent. They rank 45th nationally with 248.4 yards per game through the air and are sixth in efficiency.
Drew Allar has completed 70.3% of his passes for 2,006 yards and 13 touchdowns with five interceptions.
Tight end Tyler Warren, wide receiver Harrison Wallace III and running back Nick Singleton have been the most productive targets. Singleton was expected to play after missing the final 1.5 quarters of the win over Washington.
“We’ve gotta be able to consistently throw the ball, make plays and get open no matter who we play,” Franklin said.
Penn State ranks 30th nationally in rushing, but second in the Big Ten with 196.2 yards per game. Kaytron Allen has rushed for 634 yards and Singleton for 543.
On the other side of the football, the Lions are fourth in total defense, eighth in points allowed and 10th in rushing defense. Franklin said he wants them to eliminate pre-snap and post-snap penalties.
“We have to make sure we’re not doing anything to make it easier on the offense,” Franklin said, “like jumping offsides or doing something after the whistle. When we don’t, we make it very difficult on people in terms of earning yardage and first downs.”
Penn State’s special teams have been solid, but they haven’t made game-changing plays. Singleton’s 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown last week was wiped out by a penalty.
The Lions want to keep their heads down and keep getting better.
“We’re just taking it day-by-day and not changing our process,” Clifford said. “Then obviously the goals at the end will take care of themselves.”
Rich Scarcella’s pick
Penn State 45, Purdue 7
The Nittany Lions look to build off last week’s impressive win over Washington and play consistently for four quarters. The Boilermakers are headed in the wrong direction. Penn State cruises and sets up a huge game next week at Minnesota.
