What Challenges Does Penn State Face on the Road Back to Glory?

Every Penn State fan these days is thinking about one thing...a National Championship.  The last time Penn State appeared in a National Championship was in 1986, where the No. 2 Nittany Lions were underdogs to a great No. 1 Miami team.  Penn State, however, won the National Championship and is 2-1 in National Championships under Joe Paterno.

However, PSU has not secured a spot there yet.  They have to win out and hope that other undefeated teams ahead of them and behind them lose.  This is what Penn State faces on the road to glory.

Oct. 18: Home vs. Michigan

What should be an easy win as Michigan lost to Toledo at home, but breaking a curse is hard to do, especially when it involves nine straight losses.

Oct. 25: Away vs. Ohio State

Probably the hardest task for Penn State on the road to returning to glory.  They always play a good game against the Buckeyes, and beating them in the 'Shoe is no ordinary task.  This is the one place I could see where Penn State could stumble.

Nov. 1: Home vs. BYE

I hope they can win this one!  It's a real toughie!

Nov. 8: Away vs. Iowa

A potential loss since it's away, but PSU is much more talented and much better than this Hawkeye team.

Nov. 15: Home vs. Indiana

Indiana is not a good team, but this could be a look-ahead to Michigan State.  It should be an easy win, though.

Nov. 22: Home vs. Michigan State

Michigan State is a good team, balanced on offense and defense.  Penn State is the better team, and we are at home, so we should win this game.  There is no look ahead for this game.  If Penn State wins, they get a Championship bid.  If they lose, they probably get a Rose Bowl bid.  I see Penn State winning this one.

This is the road that Penn State must take in order to make it to the National Championship.  However, PSU is ranked No. 3 currently, so they will need teams to lose in order to have a chance to return to glory.

This is what Texas and Alabama face on their way to going undefeated.

Texas

Oct. 18: Home vs. Missouri

This should be a good game.  A good Missouri team coming off an emotional loss and Texas coming off an emotional win.  A potential loss for Texas here.

Oct. 25: Home vs. Oklahoma State

OSU comes off a win over Missouri on the road and is very good.  They are still undefeated.  This is another potential loss for Texas.

Nov. 1: Away vs. Texas Tech

TTU has a very explosive offense and will look to beat Texas in a shootout.  Another potential loss for Texas.

Nov. 8: Home vs. Baylor

Probably the toughest game on the schedule...should be a good one.  Seriously, though, no contest.  No chance Texas loses this one.

Nov. 15: Away vs. Kansas

Kansas is a tough team that plays good offense and good defense.  However, I expect Texas to win, even though there is a slight chance that they lose this game.

Nov. 22: Home vs. BYE

Geez, both PSU and Texas have to play this tough game.  Hope Texas can come out with a win in this one.

Nov. 29: Home vs. Texas A&M

TAMU is an okay team, but Texas should blow them out.

Then there is the conference championship game, which you can always lose.  These are usually close, well fought battles.

As you see, Texas has a very tough road ahead and is more likely to lose than Penn State is.  If Texas loses, PSU jumps to at least No. 2, and then all they have to do is hold on to be in the National Championship.

Now for Alabama.

Alabama

Oct. 18: Home vs. Ole Miss

This Ole Miss team is inconsistent, but they did upset Florida.  I wouldn't be shocked to see an upset, but I don't see Alabama losing, especially after having a bye week to prepare.

Oct. 25: Away vs. Tennessee

Tennessee has not been good this year, so I expect Alabama to win this game.

Nov. 1: Home vs. Arkansas State

Definitely a loss, no question about it...but seriously, this is an easy win.

Nov. 8: Away vs. LSU

LSU is a good team that got stomped by Florida.  They are not great, but this is a potential loss for Alabama.

Nov. 15: Home vs. Mississippi State

I expect Alabama to win this one, but not in a blowout.

Nov. 22: Home vs. BYE

How many teams play BYE?  Another potential loss, but I think Alabama just may squeak by with a victory.

Nov. 29: Home vs. Auburn

I expect Alabama to take advantage of a struggling Auburn offense and win big.

Once again, there is a conference championship game.  These games are usually close, so it is definitely a potential loss for Alabama.

As can be seen, Alabama and Texas have a tougher road than PSU has in order to go undefeated.  Therefore, Penn State clearly has the best chance at going undefeated, and I expect to see them in the National Championship.

Even ESPN said that PSU was very good and could match up with any team in the nation, so I expect a very good National Championship game.  Hopefully, PSU will make it and win it, and they will finally return to glory.