STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Penn State is heading to the Big Ten championship.
Let that sink in for a moment. The team that, four years ago, was set to receive sanctions worse than the death penalty -- including a postseason ban, reduced scholarships, $60 million fine, etc. -- is now fighting for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Saturday’s 45-12 win over Michigan State clinched the No. 7 Nittany Lions' spot in the Big Ten title game, where it will take on No. 6 Wisconsin next Saturday night. Penn State needed a lot of help to get to this point; it didn’t even control its Big Ten destiny until about midway through the first quarter.