Penn State ranks No. 8 in AP Top 25 preseason poll

• The No. 1 team in the preseason poll has made the playoffs seven times since the NCAA instituted a playoff in 2014.

Driving the news: The Nittany Lions, which finished No. 13 in last season's AP poll, moved up five slots.

• They're the third-highest ranked team in the Big Ten, behind No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Oregon, which joined the conference this year.

Catch up quick: Many predicted the Nittany Lions would reach the playoffs last year, but their season ended with a loss to Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl.

• The team, powered by its defense, won 10 games last year for the fifth time under head coach James Franklin.
• But two of their three losses came against Big Ten rivals Ohio State and Michigan.

• Penn State looks to avenge that loss to OSU at Beaver Stadium on Nov. 2 in a heart-pumping conference showdown.

What we're watching: How much Drew Allar settles in under center in his second year as Penn State's starting quarterback.

• He completed nearly 60% of his passes for over 2,600 yards and 25 touchdowns last season.

Yes, but: Allar struggled against OSU and Michigan, completing fewer than 50% of his passes and tossing a combined two touchdowns in those games.