STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Penn State’s road to the College Football Playoff first includes a trip to the Big Ten Championship Game to play No. 1 Oregon.

Yes, you read that correctly. Thanks to Michigan’s win over No. 2 Ohio State early Saturday, the Nittany Lions’ once clogged path to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and a chance to determine their own playoff fate became crystal clear at 3:30 p.m. They just needed a win over Maryland to clinch. In the Big Ten title game, James Franklin’s team delivered.

No. 4 Penn State defeated Maryland 44-7 to finish the regular season 11-1, but Saturday’s win over the Terrapins was just a small part of the day. The past month, since the Nittany Lions lost to Ohio State, has been about winning and then seeing what that meant for Penn State’s spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

Penn State has handled the last month masterfully. While many other teams failed and suffered upsets in the playoff race this season, Penn State suffered its only loss in a close game against the Buckeyes. While some have questioned Penn State’s playoff resume – as the Nittany Lions have only had one chance to play one of the best teams in the country this season – that is now changing.

Penn State returns to the Big Ten Championship Game for the first time since 2016.

1. Penn State vs. Oregon offers countless opportunities to comment.

Penn State’s Senior Day ceremony took place before the game as Michigan earned a 13-10 win over Ohio State. There was no announcement in the stadium, no announcement of the final result. Ohio State-Michigan was never shown on Beaver Stadium’s video boards, although the fans streaming in through the tailgates and scrolling on their cell phones in the stands were certainly aware that with Michigan’s victory, the Nittany Lions would secure their playoff berth. had fate in their hands.

Remember, Penn State’s road to Indianapolis was congested at best a few weeks ago, but to their credit, the Nittany Lions prevailed and got the help they needed with Ohio State beating Indiana last weekend then turned around and lost to Michigan. Even if Penn State and Indiana both finish 11-1 – the Hoosiers play Purdue tonight – Penn State still gets the win based on the fourth criterion in the Big Ten tiebreaker scenarios, namely the opponent’s cumulative conference winning percentage Award for the conference championship game. Penn State has a significant advantage over Indiana.

One question that has been on Penn State fans’ minds in recent weeks is whether a trip to Indianapolis is worth the risk. On the one hand, if Penn State beats No. 1 Oregon, the Nittany Lions will earn a bye in the first round of the playoffs and would likely be the No. 1 overall seed. However, if Penn State loses by a significant margin to Oregon, how far could Penn State fall? Would the Nittany Lions still be seeded fifth through eighth, meaning they would have a chance to host a first-round playoff game at Beaver Stadium? There is no doubt that extra play puts more wear and tear on players’ bodies, but the risk must be worth the reward.

Penn State has a chance to prove that this team can compete with the best team in the country. If you’re looking for a positive outcome in a game Oregon knew it was going to play for a few weeks, it’s this: Wisconsin had the Ducks in a bind. In a college football season where so many teams have had an off game – something Penn State really hasn’t had this season – there’s a chance for this team to prove they’re among the best. That’s all Penn State should want at this point. Franklin said at Big Ten media days in July that the first goal of every season is to win the Big Ten and secure a first-round bye in the playoffs. This opportunity is there.

2. Penn State is healthy and rolling.

Drew Allar completed 17 of 26 passes for 171 yards for one touchdown and rushed for another. He briefly limped to the sideline in the second quarter, but immediately returned as the next drive began. Tight end Tyler Warren had six catches for 68 yards and a receiving touchdown and continues to build his reputation as one of the best tight ends in the nation.

Most importantly, running back Nick Singleton looked healthier than he has in several weeks as this team looks to take the next step. The running back has been banged up for most of this season, and Singleton’s breakout looked like he was back on track after being ineffective all season. Singleton carried the ball 13 times for 87 yards and scored two touchdowns. Despite losing a fumble on the first drive that led to Maryland’s touchdown, Singleton responded by returning the ensuing kick 66 yards. Penn State has a handful of players — Singleton, Allar, Warren and defensive ends Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton — who can make a difference in a championship run. These five are all as healthy as can be expected at the end of the regular season.

3. How does a quick turnaround impact Penn State?

As with all teams, the month of December will be hectic. Penn State’s new signings will be announced Wednesday as the team prepares for its biggest game of the season. The transfer portal opens one week from Monday, one day after the Nittany Lions find out where they are seeded in the College Football Playoff. Yes, that’s a lot for anyone on the staff to handle, and while Oregon has the advantage of knowing what’s happening, Penn State certainly has a plan in place for this week as well.

This is the best-case scenario for this team, and Franklin’s group now has a chance that many weren’t sure would come true after last month’s loss to Ohio State.

(Photo by Penn State’s Abdul Carter: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)