Till Next Year

At the end of the last post, I touched on how these next three games would decide the Lions’ fate and whether or not Saquon had a shot at the Heisman. Remember how hopeful we all felt? This was it- we were number two in the country- the eyes of the nation were upon us. Win two of these games and PSU would be in a very good spot to go to their first ever CFP.

Things started out as well as they could on the second offensive play of the Michigan game. Saquon took the ball over 60 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the record setting white out attendance of over 110,000. Minutes later, Saquon would run for another touchdown. Coming out at halftime with a 21-13 lead, PSU never looked back, dominating for a 42-13 win, running it up in the process to avenge last season.

Saquon Barkley runs 67 yards on the second play of the game.

Coming off the Michigan domination, the Lions headed to Columbus Ohio to play the Buckeyes. For the second straight week, the game involving the Lions hosted College Gameday. Once again, as has been the trend this season, Penn State was hot right out of the gate. Saquon took the opening kick all the way back scoring on his first touch yet again! Then, on their first posession, the Buckeyes fumbled and PSU capitalized. Minutes later, Saquon would run 36 yards for a touchdown to make it 21-3. Keeping a lead around most of the game, an controllable game and a crucial win seemed within reach. Everything, the CFP, the Heisman,  silencing the doubts, were all within grasp- and then it happened. In the most Penn State-esq way, the offense stalled and the defense could not make a stop. What resulted was a gut wrenching 38-39 heart break loss.

Saquon takes the opening kick back against

Picking up the pieces, the Lions would head to East Lansing to play the Michigan State Spartans. PSU was ranked 7 and MSU was ranked 24 in the first CFP. As expected, PSU was electric to start the game passing all over the MSU defense… and then the rain set in. An ensuing 2 hour delay took away all the steam from the Lions’ offense and left the field soaked. Weather favors the underdog. as the game progressed, word spread that Ohio State had been upset. The door was wide open- and MSU closed it shut 27-24 in one of the most deflating losses in recent PSU history. Trace McSorely threw three picks and Saquon could not get going. It was all there for us, and we let it get away. Penn State lost this season by 4 points.

In other news, Georgia is unbeaten no more and Notre Dame got destroyed by a legitimate Miami team. Both are results Penn State needed to make the CFP had they escaped MSU. After beating Rutgers the Lions are now 10 in the country and in great position withtwo gamesleft to make a big time New Year’s Six bowl. In any year this would be considered a major success, but after seeing what it feels like to be at the top, it just seems like fools gold.

#dontbethatguy goes to me and all the other fans who bought into a national title.

Next game: Nebraska 4pm BIG 10 Network. Its senior day, and likely Saquon’s last game.