Keystone Today

Penn State entered its fifth week as the fourth-ranked college football team in the country, but the team knew it could have its hands full with Indiana on Saturday.

Indiana beat Penn State during the opener last fall on a controversial two-point conversion that began the Nittany Lions’ five-game losing streak, according to ABC 27 News.

“I appreciate Sean’s (third-year starting quarterback Sean Clifford) confidence, and I appreciate Sean’s belief in his teammates and program and the statement (that he believes this is the best team in the country)," Penn State Head Coach James Franklin told ABC 27 News. "But as you guys know, and I know you guys hate it because it seems boring, but I just want to beat Indiana. I think if we approach it like that, week in and week out, it’ll give us the best chance to reach our potential, whatever that may be."

Three years ago, Franklin made a comment about wanting to become an elite football team, and Penn State is coming closer with a 24-10 record over the last 36 games, according to ABC 27 News. Penn State faced Indiana on Saturday. The three meetings leading up to that game from 2018 to 2020 were all very close games. Saturday's game turned out to be a highlight of the Penn State season, with the Nittany Lions beating the Indiana Hoosiers 24-0 with a strong defense.

Penn State currently holds its highest ranking since 2017 in the Associated Press poll.