How Penn State's Loss to Maryland Impacts Nittany Lions' Quest to Make Bowl Game

When the NCAA eliminated the final two years of Penn State’s postseason ban connected to the Jerry Sandusky scandal, it was viewed as a major victory for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions program.

An improving Penn State team could be rewarded for its play with a bowl trip two years early. Win-win, right?

That, of course, was predicated on Penn State putting together the six wins required to qualify for postseason play. What once looked like a fait accompli—the Nittany Lions started the year with four straight victories—suddenly doesn’t look so easy as we roll into the final month of the Big Ten regular season.

Saturday’s ugly 20-19 loss to border rival Maryland dropped the Nittany Lions to 4-4, meaning they must win at least two of their final four games to become bowl eligible.

Penn State’s schedule offers opportunities to do just that, but it is by no means a given.

Next week, the Nitanny Lions travel to play an Indiana team that entered this week’s game against Michigan reeling from blowout losses to Iowa and Michigan State while starting freshman quarterback Zander Diamont.

A home game against Temple follows on Nov. 15, and the Owls should not be taken lightly. Matt Rhule’s team blasted Vanderbilt in its season opener and is coming off a 20-10 upset of East Carolina, ranked No. 23 in the initial College Football Playoff Top 25.

A trip to Illinois follows, and while the Illini have been up and down this season, they did beat a good Minnesota team in Champaign.

Penn State closes the regular season against No. 8 Michigan State, which looks like the Big Ten’s best program.

If the Nittany Lions enter that game needing a win for bowl eligibility, they’re in serious, serious trouble.

On paper, Penn State looks like a safe bet to get at least two wins and make a bowl. But the Lions need far better play from their offense and sophomore quarterback Christian Hackenberg.

Hackenberg had his worst game of the season Saturday, completing just 18 of 42 passes for 177 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Penn State’s rebuilt offensive line has given him no time to work; Hackenberg was sacked four times Saturday. Through eight games, he has been sacked 29 times after being sacked just 21 times all of last season.

Saturday could have been worse, too: Maryland had a touchdown return of a Hackenberg interception nullified following a roughing-the-passer penalty on a Terrapin defender.

Penn State had just one offensive touchdown and managed only 42 yards rushing. The Nittany Lions offense has been one-dimensional, as it entered the game averaging only 82.1 yards per game rushing, sixth-worst in the FBS.

Even if the Lions make a bowl game, they’d love to roll in with some momentum. To do so, the offense and Hackenberg must carry their weight going forward.