Penn State powers into CFP semis to carry Big Ten flag, while SEC no longer looks untouchable

GLENDALE, Ariz. — For nearly 15 years, the SEC dominated postseason college football, but in the 2024 postseason, the Big Ten has flipped the script, firmly establishing its superiority over the SEC. This shift was highlighted by Michigan defeating Alabama in two separate bowl games within the same calendar year.https://wordpress.com/

The year kicked off with Michigan, the eventual national champion, triumphing over Alabama in the Rose Bowl. It concluded on Tuesday night with Penn State’s commanding 31-14 victory over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, cementing the Big Ten’s presence in next week’s CFP semifinals. This outcome is guaranteed as Ohio State and Oregon are set to face off in the Rose Bowl—a conference showdown made possible when the Buckeyes routed SEC rival Tennessee in the first round.

Earlier on New Year’s Eve, Michigan, a 16.5-point underdog, stunned No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, while Illinois, a nine-point underdog, surprised No. 15 South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl. These results propelled the Big Ten to a 4-1 record against the SEC in this year’s CFP and bowl games.

Not bad for a conference often criticized for its “softer” schedule. SEC Network analyst Peter Burns once likened the Big Ten’s schedule to a “PGA Championship course” compared to the SEC’s grueling “U.S. Open-caliber” slate.

The Big Ten faced heavy scrutiny earlier in the postseason when Notre Dame trounced Indiana—a team ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit argued should not have made the Playoff over “more deserving” teams like Alabama and South Carolina. (Both teams, incidentally, ended their seasons at 9-4.)

Penn State’s head coach James Franklin, who previously coached in the SEC at Vanderbilt from 2011 to 2013, expressed a unique perspective after Tuesday’s Fiesta Bowl win.

“I have great respect for both conferences, and I believe my background gives me a rare understanding of each,” Franklin said. “The Big Ten has definitely prepared our team for the Playoff.”

Penn State’s 15-game season includes 10 matchups against Big Ten opponents, highlighted by a home win over Illinois and an overtime victory at USC. The Trojans capped their season at 7-6 with a Las Vegas Bowl win over SEC opponent Texas A&M.

Despite the SEC’s prominence, Michigan and Illinois likely gained more recognition for their mid-tier bowl victories than Penn State will for its Playoff wins over ACC’s SMU and Mountain West’s Boise State. That’s unfair, considering Penn State’s grueling season has included only two losses—to top-five teams Ohio State and Oregon.

Boise State, led by Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty, had a stellar 12-2 season, but Penn State’s defense held Jeanty to one of his quietest performances, limiting him to 104 yards on 30 carries and forcing him into seven plays for a loss.

“We knew he was special,” Franklin said, “but our defense stepped up.”

Penn State’s offense also shone, with running backs Kaytron Allen (134 yards) and Nick Singleton (87 yards, one touchdown) dominating the Broncos, while quarterback Drew Allar connected with All-American tight end Tyler Warren for two touchdowns.

Next, Penn State advances to the Orange Bowl semifinal on Jan. 9, where they will face either Georgia or Notre Dame, both formidable opponents.

Few expected Penn State to reach this stage after their 20-13 loss to Ohio State in November. But since then, their offense has surged, evident in games like their 35-6 win over Washington and their competitive showing against Oregon in the Big Ten championship.

“Kaytron is all power and resilience,” Franklin praised, “while Nick has game-breaking speed.”

However, Georgia or Notre Dame will present a much tougher challenge defensively.

If Georgia triumphs over Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl and Texas defeats Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, the CFP semifinals will feature two Big Ten and two SEC teams—a fitting outcome given these conferences’ dominance in ratings and media attention this season.

Historically, the SEC has held the edge, boasting 13 national championships in the past 17 years and numerous bowl victories over the Big Ten. However, the Big Ten’s fortunes began shifting with Michigan’s revival under Jim Harbaugh and the addition of Oregon as a national power.

Penn State, with a 34-7 record over the past three seasons, has often been overshadowed. This year, though, the Nittany Lions have finally seized the spotlight.

As they prepare for a likely matchup with Georgia, Franklin’s team has the chance to challenge the SEC’s supremacy. While Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs are a proven powerhouse, this season has shown they aren’t invincible—just like their conference.