After Washington Win, Penn State Week 11 Bowl Projections: Handicapping Nittany Lions’ Postseason Options

Win boosts bowl outlook

Penn State beat the Washington Huskies 28-25 last Saturday, leaving the Nittany Lions one win short of bowl eligibility. The result also prompted projections for games against stronger opponents.

The latest forecasts differ from last week’s suggestions of games in Myrtle Beach and Dallas. Some projected destinations would require a 7-5 finish, while one projection appears tied to Penn State winning out.

Music City Bowl projection

On3’s Brett McMurphy and The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman both project Penn State in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30, against South Carolina of the SEC. McMurphy moved the Nittany Lions into that game after their win over Washington.

Penn State has not played in the Nashville bowl. The matchup would offer a strong opponent, but the projection seems to depend on the Nittany Lions winning out, beginning with Saturday’s game against Minnesota.

Charlotte and Tempe options

The day after Christmas falls on a Saturday, with five bowl games scheduled on ESPN networks, including the Mayo Bowl in Charlotte. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach projects Penn State against Duke, coached by former Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. Kyle Bonagura instead forecasts Clemson, which would make a Pinstripe Bowl rematch.

Dallas and Fenway possibilities

College Football News projects Penn State against North Texas in a Jan. 2 Dallas game. The Nittany Lions last played in that bowl after the 2011 season, when it was known as the TicketCity Bowl. The projection calls Penn State an at-large candidate and says a 7-5 record is likely needed.

CBS Sports projects a matchup with East Carolina of the AAC at Fenway Park. The Nittany Lions played at Yankee Stadium last year. The report says the bowl typically pairs ACC and AAC teams and that Penn State would enter as an at-large team; a 7-5 finish is again presented as a possible requirement.