#x-factors

#x-factors

Penn State enters what appears to be an all-in season, and Allar has the ingredients to be the top NFL quarterback prospect for the 2026 draft. But his play under the brightest of lights has left something to be desired. He hasn't beaten Ohio State or Michigan, he delivered some good moments in a Big Ten championship game loss to Oregon but was still intercepted twice, and threw the crucial interception in a CFP semifinal loss to Notre Dame. Penn State has made the necessary investments around Allar, who will share a backfield with probably the nation's top running back tandem. The time has come for the senior to be at his best in the biggest moments. If he delivers, Penn State will have a real chance at its first national title since 1986.

Wiggins was understandably one of the Heat's most important players heading into the play-in, but I think he's an even bigger X-Factor against Cleveland. We obviously know what Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo are capable of, but when Wiggins picks his spots to be assertive, the complexion of the Heat offense changes. Defensively, he'll be tasked with making life difficult for Mitchell and Garland, two exceptionally gifted creators.