The Nittany Lions capped off 2022 with an impressive Rose Bowl victory over Utah. Sean Clifford finishes his polarizing Penn State career with more wins than any other starting QB in program history and the defense shut down just about all of what Utah tried to do on offense. However the question next season will be if Penn State can take that next step and beat Michigan and/or Ohio State to contend for the Big 10 title. Until they can do that, PSU will remain a tier lower in the Big 10.
Wait, you're gonna rank the Penn State Nittany Lions ahead of Ohio State despite the head to head?
You're goddammned right. When you win the Rose Bowl you get to do whatever you want. Fuck 'em.
The team that beat those that were inferior and lost to those that were better ending the season 11-2. Literally as chalk as can be. Out powers Tennessee in the ranking with Ohio State's help.
Losses: #3 Michigan, #5 Michigan.
Notable wins: #8 Utah (Pac-12 Champ).
I think Penn State is probably better than Tennessee, but by resume I can't put them above Tennessee. Penn State will be extremely dangerous next year and should be a legit CFP contender (there is an extremely narrow situation where all 3 top B1G East teams could be in the top 4 next year). They have some very young stars on offense and a solid defense.