I personally dont think that PSU is overhyped, I think they deserve to be right around 7-8.... Not only is this team in year 4 of James Franklin's program, but they're coming off a 2016 season where they went 11-3 SU and 9-4-1 ATS...
Not only does this offense return 9 starters, they're in a great position to replace the two Olineman who left the school. Their 2016 top recruit was a 4 star prospect and the #1 OG in the nation, Mike Menet, After redshirting, he was able to go from 273lbs to 308lbs... They also have several 4 star upper classmen to fill that last void, or give true freshman CJ Thorpe #6 OG a chance.
This team returns one of the most exciting QB's Trace Mcsorely... Mcsorley lead the Big10 in yards down field. The PSU WR corps is full of 4 and 5 year Wr's, with a ton of size and experience. Not only are they all over 6'2, but they also lineup an elite TE, Mike Giescki who's 6'6 260lbs and leads the team in yards per reception...
The PSU defense is returning 7 defensive starters including their entire secondary, other than S Malik Golden. Superstar S Marcus Allen is back, as well as the top 5 CB's...
Both of their DT's are returning, as well as 2/3 LB's. They have plenty of depth at the Lb position, and have some options at DE. Specifically 2016 RS FR Shane Simmons who was ranked the 4th best DE in the nation, but decided to redshirt because he was only 221lbs... since than he's added bulk and has played great all year.
PSU will also be getting RS FR and 5 star RB Miles Sanders into the lineup this year. They had a very good 2017 recruiting class, and 5 star CB Lamont Wade could see some action. They were also able to sign the #6 OG CJ Thorpe, the #5 DE Gross-Mators and the #11 ILB Brooks.
The Penn State ST could really be the difference in covering a few spreads. They're returning star PK Tyler "Automatic" Davis who made 30/32 FGA with the 2 misses coming from blocks.
Once PSU found their groove, they finished the season with 9 straight ATS wins, including a 3 pt Rose Bowl loss to USC...