Penn State Football: One Loss Won't Keep Nittany Lions out of Top 25 for Long

Penn State missed out on an opportunity to show the country that they not only belong in the Top 25, but one loss to one of the best teams in the country won't keep the Nittany Lions from cracking the Top 25 again.

Penn State has seven unranked opponents lying in front of them. It's a great chance to get back on their feet and not only break into the rankings, but climb them as well.

A signature win won't present itself until the last three weeks in the season, when the Nittany Lions face Ohio State, Nebraska and Wisconsin, all who are currently ranked.

Penn State could very well run the table up until their last three games. While clearly its a daunting string of games, it's also a huge opportunity for them to prove themselves.

Winning seven in a row against unranked teams will allow Penn State to work their way from bubble team to ranked team once again. It's no question whether or not they'll re-enter the Top 25, it's what they'll do once they infiltrate the rankings.

The loss to Alabama serves as evidence that Penn State is not elite. They can't compete with the best team the SEC has to offer. They're simply not a National Championship team this season. And that's okay, as Penn State can still have a great season.

In no way is 2011 a lost cause for the team. Nebraska looked beatable against Fresno State, Ohio State hasn't proven anything against any opponent worth mentioning and while Wisconsin is tough, so is Penn State.

There is no doubt that the Nittany Lions are going to suffer another loss or two before this season is out. The Big 10 heavy hitters waiting for them at the end of the season are simply too talented for Penn State to emerge completely unscathed.

An early loss can hurt, but it shouldn't ruin their morale. They've got a lot to look forward to and take refuge in the fact that their stock is going to go through the roof on their way into the toughest stretch in their schedule.

Don't think of Penn State as being ousted from the rankings; think of them as being on a temporary leave of absence.