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Penn State makes big jump on ESPN’s Playoff Predictor, Ohio State leads the pack after Week 9

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

A crazy Week 9 of college football has drastically shifted some of the odds on ESPN’s Playoff Predictor.

During a rain-soaked game in Columbus, Ohio State used a dominant second half from Chase Young and the defense to roll over Wisconsin. The Badgers cut the lead close coming out of the half, but the Buckeyes wound up with another dominant win.

For Penn State, wet weather was also the theme, but the Nittany Lions were never seriously threatened by Michigan State. The Spartan offense continued to lack a punch as James Franklin and company cruised to a 28-7 win.

RELATED: Week 10 Associated Press Poll: 2 B1G teams crack Top 5

Those two victories, combined with a crazy upset loss by Oklahoma, have shifted ESPN’s Playoff Predictor. According to Seth Walder, the Buckeyes lead with an 85% chance to make the Playoff. But most notably, Penn State has jumped to a 50% chance coming out of Week 9.

As it currently stands, the biggest threat to two B1G teams in the Playoff is likely Clemson. An undefeated Tigers squad would stand to make the final four, but a loss in the dreadful ACC would likely eliminate the defending national champs. That would open the door for the loser of the game between Ohio State and Penn State to still potentially play their way into the Playoff.

Here’s how the Top 10 shakes out on the Playoff Predictor:

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.