Final predictions for the Big Ten showdown between No. 4 Ohio State and No. 3 Penn State
It is going to be a battle at Beaver Stadium on Saturday when No. 4 Ohio State travels to take on No. 3 Penn State. The Big Ten matchup is even going to draw in a presidential candidate for the game. The matchup between the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions is surprisingly a noon game and […]
It is going to be a battle at Beaver Stadium on Saturday when No. 4 Ohio State travels to take on No. 3 Penn State. The Big Ten matchup is even going to draw in a presidential candidate for the game.
The matchup between the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions is surprisingly a noon game and not a night game in the crazy environment that Penn State provides. These are two teams with playoff aspirations and believe that they can compete to win it all.
Here at A to Z Sports, a few of our college football writers teamed up to drop our predictions.
Ohio State 31, Penn State 20
“Ohio State had a lackluster performance last week against Nebraska and quickly need to turn it around. After losing a close one to Oregon, the Buckeyes really need this one to prove they can win the big game, something that Ryan Day has struggled with mightily. I think the Buckeyes have to get the run game going again somehow, and they are going to have to not allow Penn State’s Abdul Carter to wreck them on offense. I have the Buckeyes pulling away late and scoring some points.” – Brandon Little
Penn State 21, Ohio State 20
“While Ohio State has the raw talent and big-name coordinators needed to win any game, it's fair to wonder if they have the mental makeup to come through in the clutch. Will Howard has done a terrific job guiding the offense through a sudden downturn in the run game, but things get significantly harder in Happy Valley against an elite pass-rush. Penn State might be even more dangerous in this matchup if Drew Allar doesn't play, as the Buckeyes have continued to struggle against rushing quarterbacks. I think Penn State gets the home win as they turn up the aggressiveness on the Buckeyes, and Ryan Day again struggles to adjust on the fly when injuries take away his top option.” – Ian Valentino
Ohio State 31, Penn State 17
“Both Ryan Day and James Franklin could use a marquee win, but Franklin’s track record (3-18 against top 10 teams in his career) makes it very hard to get on. Drew Allar is banged up and if he’s limited in any capacity, it could be very hard for Penn State to move the football. Ohio State has a get right game, and gets back on track.” – Ryan Roberts
Ohio State 27, Penn State 20
The Buckeyes have played to the strength of their opponents now against both Oregon and Nebraska. Despite consistently having a talent edge (even over the Ducks), the Buckeyes have struggled for significant portions of games this year. Their offensive line should hold up moving Donovan Jackson outside, but Penn State's pass rush with Abdul Carter and Dani-Dennis Sutton should still rattle Will Howard enough to slow the Buckeyes down keeping this close. In the end a couple explosive plays from Ohio State push them over the top.” – Travis May
Former Ohio State standout rips the Buckeyes for reasons that could lead to Ryan Day falling short again
There is a sense of worry with this team.
