For the first time since 2016, Penn State is headed to Indianapolis and will play for the Big Ten Championship on Saturday, December 7.

With the Nittany Lions likely to be sitting at No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings this week, there is a chance that knocking off top-ranked Oregon can result in the No. 1 overall seed for Penn State entering the playoffs.

While it may seem like a no-brainer to want the blue and white atop the college football world, many believe that a loss in the title game, and in turn a potential No. 5 seed, would benefit the Nittany Lions’ chances at a national championship. 

Two of our staffers debated whether rooting for Penn State to clinch the No. 1 or No. 5 seed would be best for Penn State.   

Jamie Lynch: Root For Penn State To Be The No. 1 Seed

Come on, folks. In my eyes, this question is not worthy of a debate. How can you be a Penn State fan, look someone directly in the eyes, and say that you are rooting for Oregon in the Big Ten Championship? 

It isn’t often that these types of opportunities come around for Penn State. In fact, the last time the Nittany Lions made it to the Big Ten title game was eight years ago. I attended this game with my family and to see my favorite team come back from a 21-point deficit to clinch the toughest conference in college football was a feeling unlike any other.

Penn State has the chance to leave Indianapolis with a first-round bye in the playoffs and potentially the No. 1 overall seed. Having not been atop the college football polls this century, witnessing the Nittany Lions leading the pack would be special, even more so as a student.

But let’s talk about playoff and national championship implications. From what I understand, the logic behind wanting the No. 5 seed is due to a potential “easier” path in the bracket. As it stands right now, the first team out of the top four would host a game against Arizona State, followed by a neutral site game against Boise State presuming a win. The top seed, on the other hand, would have to face the winner of two tough SEC squads, Georgia and Tennessee, in the second round. 

But here is the way I see it: If Penn State can knock off top-ranked Oregon in Lucas Oil Stadium, we shouldn’t fear playing any team. Beating an undefeated group regarded as the best in the country means that Penn State can compete with the nation’s best, and in fact, might be the nation’s best. 

I also want to point out that many of the people arguing in favor of the No. 5 seed have also pushed the idea throughout the season that the Big Ten is the best conference or that the SEC is overrated. If you truly believe what you are saying, you wouldn’t back down from a chance to prove your point on the national stage.

Fans must not forget that Penn State would be playing one less playoff game if it wins on Saturday. Contrary to what many are saying, this is most certainly a good thing. Wins are never guaranteed in college football. Anyone who watched this crazy season would attest. So even if the Nittany Lions hosted a playoff game against a so-called “easy” opponent, people need to stop assuming that a free trip to round two is in store. I would much rather have Penn State earn a bye-week, and I’ll take my chances with a Georgia team that needed eight overtimes to beat Georgia Tech.

In short, root for the Nittany Lions on Saturday. It shouldn’t need to be said. Winning a Big Ten Championship would be monumental for the program in both the short and long term. Let’s show Oregon what Big Ten football is all about and bring the Stagg Trophy back to Happy Valley.

Michael Siroty: The No. 5 Seed Is Ideal

I see what Jamie’s saying. Winning the Big Ten Championship and likely getting the No. 1 overall seed? Sounds pretty good. However, losing to Oregon and being the No. 5 seed is ideal for two reasons. 

The first reason is that teams seeded Nos. 5 through 8 host first-round games, meaning with a loss, Penn State would play in the first round at Beaver Stadium. Maybe this is selfish, but a home playoff game as a student sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one that I’d like to have. With a Big Ten Championship win, the Nittany Lions would have a first-round bye and no home game. 

Now for the second reason. Being seeded No. 5 would set Penn State up with a matchup against the No. 12 seed, which will probably be the Big 12 champion — either Arizona State or Iowa State — both of which are favorable matchups for the blue and white. With a win in the first round, Penn State would play the No. 4 seed in the second round, which would be Boise State if the Broncos beat UNLV later this week. Aside from Ashton Jeanty, Boise State isn’t very good, and Penn State would be a heavy favorite. With those two wins, the Nittany Lions would go to the semifinals. 

Let’s go back to Jamie’s argument. While the top seed does give you a bye in the first round, it also gives you a second-round matchup with the Nos. 8 or 9 seeds, which could be a really good SEC team that would be a tougher opponent than both the Nos. 4 and 12 seeds. 

I think my point is clear. Having the No. 5 seed gives the Nittany Lions a pretty easy trip to the semifinals. Go Ducks, I guess.