The Nittany Lions had no trouble hanging on to their No. 2 spot in the AP Poll after cruising by Michigan in Beaver Stadium’s first clash between two top 25 teams since 2011.

Despite the win, Penn State is still behind top-ranked Alabama after it crushed Tennessee. The Nittany Lions held off Georgia, TCU, and Wisconsin, among other undefeated teams to stay at the same ranking this week.

Prior to this season, Penn State had not been ranked No. 2 since 1999. This is also the program’s longest stretch inside the top five this century — spending eight of the nine weeks this season ranked No. 5 or higher after beginning the season ranked No. 6.

Penn State stayed at No. 2 in the Coaches Poll, where it is also behind Alabama.

James Franklin’s squad will still have a tough road ahead, facing off these next two weeks with back-to-back ranked opponents in Ohio State and Michigan State, both of which will be on the road.

About the Author

Steve Connelly

Unfortunately, former editor Steve Connelly has graduated. Where is he now? He might be doing something related to that PR degree he got in 2019. Maybe he finally opened that sports bar named after one of his photos, the Blurry Zamboni. Or he might just be eating chicken tenders and couch surfing. Anything’s possible. If you really want to know, follow him on Twitter @slc2o.

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