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Is this year finally the year for Penn State?
Some media members around the area believe this is the year the Nittany Lions run the table, while there are some that still predict a loss or two. Here is how a survey of selected media members see this season shaping up for the Lions.
Michael Boytim, Altoona Mirror: 11-1. Comment: Penn State will be favored in 11 of its 12 games. James Franklin wins the games he's favored in and loses the ones he isn't. A zebra can't change his stripes.
Scott Franco, Altoona Mirror: 11-1. Comment: I believe the Nittany Lions will go to Columbus and defeat Ohio State this year. Of course, they will be in a bad mood for several weeks going into this game after losing at home to Oregon at the end of September.
Buck Frank, Altoona Mirror: 10-2. Comment: Penn State is definitely capable of going 12-0, but it's a long season and things happen.
Cory Giger, Lightner Communications: 11-1. Comment: The only real question about this team is whether James Franklin can win big games. I can't pick them to win in Columbus. Then it's essentially a national championship game appearance or bust for this team.
John Hartsock, Altoona Mirror: 11-1. Comment: The Lions have valid national championship expectations that won't be derailed by the one loss that will take place somewhere along this schedule, and maybe not necessarily at Ohio State.
Dan Isenberg, Altoona Mirror: 12-0. Comment: This team. This schedule. The Buckeyes are breaking in a new QB and the Lions open the season at No. 2 in the nation (if you're superstitious like that). Every thing about this situation says that this season could be something very special come January. I'm just Sayin.
Jarrod Prugar, Altoona Mirror/Nittany Sports Now: 12-0. Comment: This is the year James Franklin and company get the job done in Columbus. They got their defensive coordinator. They've got the quarterback from Ohio. It would be a poetic occurrence to seal the deal against the Buckeyes and the schedule favors the Nittany Lions throughout the season.
Ryan Risky, WTAJ: 10-2. Comment: This is as close as Penn State has been to being a national championship or bust team in the James Franklin era. Penn State still has to prove if they can win a big game against an elite team. James Franklin is 1-15 against top-5 teams and they have a huge test on the road against Ohio State. This is a team that should make the College Football Playoff, however the road to a national championship will likely be much more difficult than last year's path.
Neil Rudel, Altoona Mirror: 12-0. Comment: Penn State has improved many things James Franklin has identified as shortcomings -- facilities, commitment to NIL, administrative flexibility on hiring (Jim Knowles) and retained much of its core roster from last year. The Lions have open dates in front of their two biggest games, Oregon and Ohio State, and both are breaking in new quarterbacks. This is Franklin's best chance to win a national title.
Andy Stine, Altoona Mirror: 11-1. Comment: I'm convinced that they can beat Oregon in their own house, but it feels like every Penn State-Ohio State game is the same every year. However, they absolutely are good enough to win a national title. It's just a matter of them playing well at the right time. Remember the Buckeyes last year.