Penn State’s impressive run in the College Football Playoff has captured national attention, including a notable endorsement from Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
The Nittany Lions surged into the semifinals with a commanding 38-10 victory over SMU and followed it up with a decisive 31-14 win against Boise State on New Year’s Eve. Their
performance has earned them a place in the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame and a fresh wave of respect from critics, including Saban.
“Penn State is playing extremely well,” Saban said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show Thursday. “The quarterback is playing well. They can run the ball. Penn State is playing well
on both sides of the ball. They’re a very good team. I’m a believer. I was not a believer in Penn State early on. I’m a believer right now.”
The Nittany Lions boast one of the nation’s most productive rushing attacks, ranking No. 5 nationally with an average of 202.2 rushing yards per game. Over their last three games,
including the Big Ten Championship loss to Oregon, they have been unstoppable on the ground. They racked up 292 rushing yards against Oregon and combined for 405 yards and four touchdowns in their two CFP victories.
“Penn State has really run the ball effectively in the last few games behind that offensive line and two running backs,” Saban added. “To have a quarterback who can play behind a running
game like that with play-action passes — they’re for real. Their defense is playing really well, too. If you just go on how well teams are playing right now, Penn State and Ohio State are probably playing the best.”
Saban also used Penn State as an example to advocate for more in-person evaluations by the CFP selection committee. He emphasized the physicality of Penn State’s roster, particularly their imposing offensive line and power at the
skill positions. The Nittany Lions’ starting offensive line averages nearly 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, while running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen both tip the scales at over 220 pounds.
“When you stand on the sidelines and look at a team, you see how physical they are,” Saban explained. “That goes a long way in football. The heavyweights don’t fight the lightweights for a reason. It has nothing to do with skill. If two
players are equal in skill, the 139-pound guy is not going to beat the 215-pound guy. That’s why we always had big physical teams. That’s what we recruited. That’s what we looked for. Little guys have a hard time beating big guys.”
The Nittany Lions will now face Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, with hopes of capping off their impressive postseason with another statement win. As Penn State prepares for its clash, Saban’s
rare and high-profile praise underscores the respect the program has earned during this playoff campaign.
The question remains whether the Nittany Lions can maintain their dominance and take their place as one of college football’s elite under the bright lights of the Orange Bowl.