Penn State faces potential pitfall against Rutgers in late-season clash
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 5:47 PM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Penn State's schedule puts them on a favorable path toward the College Football Playoff with a late-season game against Rutgers on November 21. CBS Sports analyst Brad Crawford identifies this matchup as a key challenge due to the risk of complacency after a manageable schedule. The Nittany Lions avoid top Big Ten contenders like Ohio State and Oregon, increasing the pressure to maintain focus against traditionally overmatched opponents. Maintaining urgency will be crucial for Penn State as they aim to stay sharp through late November.
- •Penn State's schedule excludes Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon.
- •The Nittany Lions play USC and Michigan in October.
- •They host Rutgers on November 21 as a potential trap game.
- •Maintaining focus is critical during the closing stretch of the season.
- •Brad Crawford highlights the risk posed by overconfident play against weaker teams.
- 5:47 PMYahoo Sports — Penn State’s biggest 2026 Big Ten trap game carries a hidden warning
"Penn State’s favorable Big Ten draw creates a clear path toward the College Football Playoff. A late-season meeting with Rutgers could reveal whether the Nittany Lions can manufacture urgency when complacency becomes their toughest opponent.
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