ESPN college football writer calls Penn State “legit CFP contender”

Drew Allar and Penn State made a statement in Morgantown last weekend, picking up a dominant 34-12 victory over West Virginia in the season opener. It gives the Nittany Lions a significant road victory against a quality Big 12 opponent, something the College football playoff committee has valued over the years.

This impressive win has drawn the attention of ESPN college football staff writer Heather Dinich, who believes Penn State is in a great position to make the playoffs.

“Penn State is a legit CFP contender,” Dinich wrote. “That win at West Virginia – which would have been a hostile and disorienting environment even without the two-hour weather delay — set the tone for the Nittany Lions … With the win, ESPN Analytics give PSU a 70% chance to make the playoff.”

Penn State’s passing game, which had been an Achilles heel in recent years, was the difference maker in this one. Allar completed 11 for 17 passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Harrison Wallace was unguardable, going for 117 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The Nittany Lion running game lived up to the preseason hype as well. Nick Singleton was a force, getting 13 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown. If Penn State can consistently have its running and passing games work together, it will surely be hard to stop this season.

We’ll see if Penn State can keep it rolling this week as they travel back to Happy Valley for their home opener against Bowling Green on Saturday.