Watched the BWI crew, and they were really negative, saying this is not a CFP team. I think we have a CFP defense. So, how do we fix the offense? I take the approach that we started slow in part because we didn't play a game at real speed until last night. Coming off a bye with no real competition beforehand is not a great recipe for success when playing a high-level team. I expect some improvement just based on that experience. In my view, one of our biggest problems is the rotating running backs. Singleton is not playing well. Allen should be getting the bulk of the carries. That alone would probably improve the offense a lot.
Will we make the CFP?
- Thread starter IANit
- Start date
To your question in the thread title, with one loss we're a lock. With two losses, assuming the second is to Ohio State, I think we probably still make the field but it's not a certainty depending on how a bunch of other things break. Three losses -- no way.
Therefore, assuming another loss in the Shoe as most of us assume, we have zero room for error from this point on. It'll be interesting to see where AP ranks us this afternoon. The coaches put us #6, which is not too rough a hit poll-wise.
Slava Ukraini
Active member
Agree.....
the by-week is great in mid-season for resting the players, but, as in the past decades the players seem to lose a bit of mental & physical sharpness.
I believe we'll make the CFP, also defeat Indiana & tOSU
RickinDayton
Well-known member
Beat OSU? Based on what? Did you watch OSU yesterday? Their first year starting QB looked like a veteran. Their Freshman RB was running people over. Their offensive scheme has at leadtbone or two receivers open on almost evrry play.
Their defense is already in late season form.
The offensive ineptitude that PSU displayed for over 3 quarters will not come close to winning in Columbus and might struggle @ Iowa and against Indiana.
SummitLion
Member
I'll admit that I didn't watch the game, but they only put up 24 points against Washington. If they had wide open receivers on every other play, you would think they would have put up over 60 points. Washington gave up 21 points to Colorado State, that is ranked around where FIU is. It was tied at 21 going into the 4th quarter, so it wasn't like CS scored on the 3rd stringers.
RickinDayton
Well-known member
Sayin didn't always hit the open receivers but they were there. He is playing better each game and the OSU coaches are bringing him along conservatively. His shortcoming seems to be his long ball limited distance and sometimes hangs up there.
That game was at Washington and Sayin's first road start.
Easy answer is 2 losses or less, we’re in. More than 2, we’re out. —Offense needs to gear up….everyone from coach K on down. Defense is fine if they’re not gassed.
PSU was good enough to take the #2 team in the country to two OTs so they should have a good chance. Unfortunately they can't afford any more slip ups. I doubt that Allar will improve at this point but we could certainly finish 10-2 and make the playoffs. I'll say it's 50-50.
UCLA is 0-4 (95% win)
NW is 2-2 (90% win)
Iowa is 3-2 (75% win)
OSU is 4-0 (20% win)
Indiana is 5-0 (65% win)
MSU is 3-1 (80% win)
NEB is 3-1 (70% win)
RUT 3-2 (90% win)
We make the playoffs if we win every game where we're favored but we come up short with just one slip up. I don't know what to make of Indiana. They blew out Illinois but struggled to beat Iowa.
RickinDayton
Well-known member
10-2 if PSU loses to OSU is iffy depending who else in college football has more quality wins.
The offensive coaching staff needs to make changes, drop the cute nonsense plays that waste downs, OL might need some shuffling, Allen needs to be feature back, give Wallace, Smith or Martin PT, lessen Singleton's PT, and Allar needs to play much better, look for quick hitting slants, TE off the line and passes to the young RBs, and Ross deep w/max protect. These next two games are the opportunity to shake things up. This is not panic. Messages need to sent that the current level of offensive play is unacceptable.
Slava Ukraini
Active member
We are in the playoff at 10-2. 10 wins means we beat one of OSU and Indiana. There is a lot to work on. We played like dogshït offensively and still managed to force overtime. Our defense wasn't perfect, but 17 in regulation will be Oregon's lowest output of the regular season.
Lanning should have played field position with the way the game flowed. One more made FG and even our furious comeback would have been too little too late. Of course, nobody is critical when you win.
Lanning should have played field position with the way the game flowed. One more made FG and even our furious comeback would have been too little too late. Of course, nobody is critical when you win.
We just started Big Ten Play and I see at least 3 possible loses. Last year Warren saved our bacon and Trace provided a change of pace at times. We have neither at this point. We do have a solid Defense that should keep us in most games, but this offense is not going to blow too many teams out or step up in close games.
1) There's no way that Franklin will bench Singleton. That would be devastating to his NFL draft status.
2) Martin seems to be behind Wallace & Smith which tells me Martin is hurt or simply not performing well.
3) They should have been looking for quick hitting slants yesterday because Oregon was aggressively attacking the LOS. IMO it was bad coaching not to plan for this and it was doubly bad coaching not to make that adjustment at halftime.
SummitLion
Member
Their QB is playing like a pro, but he didn't always hit 2 constantly open receivers? I'm not trying to be a jerk, but I think you were exaggerating quite a bit.
RickinDayton
Well-known member
I think you're right about Franklin & Singleton but to send a message his reps should be reduced. He is not meeting expectations.
GregInPitt
Well-known member
Updated ESPN power index says PSU now has a 22.6% chance of even making the playoff.
www.espn.com
2025 College Football Power Index - ESPN
View the 2025 College Football power index on ESPN. The FPI is the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season.
Not sure what egg heads at ESPN have done to create this useless model but when it lists Vanderbilt, Missouri and BYU as having a higher probability than us of making the playoff then it loses credibility.Updated ESPN power index says PSU now has a 22.6% chance of even making the playoff.
2025 College Football Power Index - ESPN
View the 2025 College Football power index on ESPN. The FPI is the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season.
