Another non-conference slate has come and gone and Penn State football is 3-0 heading into Big Ten play.

The Nittany Lions’ record also has them nestled at No. 13 in the AP Poll. They’ve steadily risen from No. 18 in the preseason poll and have a solid chance to crack the top 10 if they keep winning.

To continue winning, though, Penn State has to face a stark increase in talent. The Nittany Lions have Wisconsin, Northwestern, USC, and Michigan on tap before the bye week, much different-caliber opponents than Marshall, Temple, and Buffalo.

Penn State’s weak non-conference schedule has fans debating whether or not the Nittany Lions deserve to be ranked so high so early.

Two of our staffers gave their takes on the blue and white’s position going into Week 4.

Oscar Orellana: No. 13 Is Justified

Penn State absolutely deserves to be ranked No. 13.

I understand the argument folks have that the Nittany Lions haven’t played anybody worthwhile, but there’s only one thing Matt Campbell and Co. need to focus on week in and week out: win.

One win, whether it’s against Buffalo or Ohio State, is the most valuable thing for Penn State. Anybody who says that the Nittany Lions don’t deserve to be ranked as high as they are simply because of the level of competition simply does not know what’s important when it comes to football.

So many top teams have already dropped games. It doesn’t matter who they lost to; it’s just the fact that they lost.

Penn State has easily won its games against Division I talent. Division I talent is Division I talent, no matter what team or conference the Nittany Lions’ opponents are in.

Keep winning, Nittany Lions. It’s all that matters. Tune the outside noise out and don’t even worry about the ranking. No. 13 is deserved and justified at this point in the season.

Holden Mostofsky: No. 13 Is Not Justified

Before everyone yells at me, no, I don’t think Penn State lacks the talent to be ranked No. 13.

I also think it should be recognized as, and has proven to be, a strong roster. I’m happy the Nittany Lions are No. 13, and I really do think the team has proven a lot. 

However, based on past ranking changes, teams tend to drop when they struggle against unranked opponents. I’m not saying it will happen, but under a first-year head coach, Penn State will probably have close games in the Big Ten.
 
I want to see how the team plays against conference opponents before jumping to conclusions. If Penn State plays it close against teams like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Washington, don’t freak out if we drop a spot or two.

It says nothing about who Penn State is as a team or the talent it has, but it could take time for the team to get into rhythm. 

I understand that some folks will think I’m not confident in Penn State because we haven’t played a Power Four team, but that’s not true. Conference opponents understand how to approach each team, no matter how much better you think Penn State is.

Penn State also has to grapple with some recent injuries in the wide receiver room and the offensive line. It’s not that I don’t believe in the rest of the team. I know we have plenty of talent, trust me. But it’s an adjustment nevertheless.

The Nittany Lions had a great start to the season and learned from mistakes early to prepare for Big Ten teams, but before giving Penn State a high ranking, I want to see how the Nittany Lions do against the conference.

Let’s hold off on No. 13 for now.