Where Does Penn State Rank in the Latest AP Poll After Beating FIU? originally appeared on The Sporting News
Penn State held firm at No. 2 in the newest AP Top 25 poll after blanking Florida International, 34-0, on Saturday. The Nittany Lions recorded their 13th shutout since 2014, a mark that trails only Alabama in that span. The defense again proved to be the foundation, while the offense showed inconsistency in stretches.
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Head coach James Franklin acknowledged that quarterback Drew Allar was not as precise as usual. The struggles contributed to Penn State converting just three of its 12 third-down attempts.
“I didn’t think he was in his normal rhythm,” Franklin said. “We had some drops. He had some throws that he normally makes that he didn’t. That was a major factor for us on third down. But we just couldn’t seem to get into the rhythm on offense, and that was part of it.”
Penn State’s ranking keeps them just behind top-ranked Ohio State, which delivered a commanding 70-0 victory over Grambling State. Several other Big Ten programs also made appearances in the poll.
Oregon climbed to No. 4 after dismantling Oklahoma State, Illinois checked in at No. 9, Indiana landed at No. 22 and Michigan dropped to No. 23 following its loss to Oklahoma.
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The poll also saw Missouri, led by former Penn State quarterback Beau Pribula, enter at No. 25.
Looking ahead, the Nittany Lions host Villanova next weekend in their final nonconference matchup before a bye week. Afterward, the real test arrives: a Sept. 27 showdown in Happy Valley against Oregon.
With the Ducks now ranked inside the top five, the matchup sets up as one of the most anticipated early-season contests.
Also read: “Penn State was the right place”— Tavian Branch explains his flip from Rutgers.
