Yes, Penn State couldn’t close the deal against Ohio State at home. A one-possession loss to one of the most talented teams in the country is not something to dwell on. So, let’s dwell instead on what James Franklin’s team has done in its other six Big Ten games.

With Penn State's strong push for a spot in the College Football Playoff still a couple of wins from completion, the biggest roadblock to a bid for the Nittany Lions in this favorable final third of their schedule has appeared with a trip to Minnesota.

Penn State is in prime position for a spot in the new 12-team College Football Playoff and still in the mix to make the Big Ten championship game. But PJ Fleck’s Golden Gophers can put an end to all of that Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium.