As the summer heat begins to rise and the smell of barbeque fills the air, it’s hard to believe that college football season is still months away. Yet, despite the fact that no team has even stepped foot on the field, ESPN has already dropped a bombshell by crowning Penn State as the No. 1 team in the country. Yes, you read that right. Not Texas. Not Ohio State. But James Franklin’s Nittany Lions.
This unexpected ranking has sparked a heated discussion among fans and critics alike. How is it possible that a team who hasn’t even played a game yet could be considered the best in the nation? And more importantly, what does this mean for the rest of the college football landscape?
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room – James Franklin. The head coach of Penn State has been under intense scrutiny in recent years, with many questioning his ability to lead the team to success. But with this preseason ranking, Franklin has been given a harsh reality check. He is now faced with the pressure of living up to the expectations that come with being the top-ranked team in the country.
But let’s not forget that this is not the first time Penn State has been in this position. In 2017, they were also ranked No. 1 in the preseason, only to finish the season with a disappointing 7-6 record. So, what makes this year any different?
For starters, the Nittany Lions have a strong and experienced team. They return 17 starters, including star quarterback Sean Clifford, who had a breakout season last year with 2,654 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. The team also boasts a talented defense, led by linebacker Micah Parsons, who is considered one of the best players in the country.
But it’s not just the players that make this team a force to be reckoned with. It’s the culture that Franklin has built at Penn State. He has instilled a winning mentality and a sense of unity within the team, which has translated into success on the field. And with the majority of the team returning, there is a strong sense of continuity and chemistry that will only benefit them in the upcoming season.
Of course, there are still valid concerns about the team’s ability to live up to the No. 1 ranking. After all, they will face tough competition in the Big Ten, including Ohio State, who has dominated the conference in recent years. And let’s not forget about the other top-ranked teams, such as Clemson and Alabama, who are perennial powerhouses in college football.
But perhaps the most important factor to consider is the motivation and hunger of this Penn State team. They have a chip on their shoulder after being left out of the College Football Playoff last year, despite finishing with an impressive 11-2 record. This snub has only fueled their determination to prove themselves as a top team in the country.
So, while some may view this preseason ranking as a curse, the Nittany Lions are embracing it as a challenge. They are ready to prove that they deserve to be at the top and are willing to put in the work to make it happen.
In the end, it’s important to remember that this is just a preseason ranking. It’s not a guarantee of success, and anything can happen once the season kicks off. But for now, let’s give credit where credit is due. Penn State has earned this recognition, and it’s up to them to live up to it.
So, as we eagerly await the start of the college football season, let’s not get caught up in the rankings and predictions. Let’s instead focus on the hard work and dedication that these players and coaches put in day in and day out. Because in the end, that’s what truly matters. And who knows, maybe this preseason ranking will be the motivation that leads Penn State to a national championship. Only time will tell.
