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Ohio State vs Penn State Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks

Big Ten Rivals Battle in Happy Valley

No. 2 Ohio State will pay a visit to one of college football’s best venues to take on No. 13 Penn State. The Nittany Lions are 4-0 at home and come off an eye-opening 45-17 win over Minnesota. The Buckeyes have dismantled everyone in their path during Big Ten play. Iowa was the latest victim 54-10. Penn State (6-1, 3-1) has a history of frustrating Ohio State (7-0, 4-0), especially in Beaver Stadium. FOX’s Big Noon is a fitting stage for this showdown.

Let’s check the latest college football odds, stats, injury reports and college football lines for Ohio State vs Penn State. We’ve plenty of NCAA football odds for you to consider.

Kicker Noah Ruggles #95 of the Ohio State Buckeyes kicks a field goal in the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes
Gaelen Morse - Getty Images - AFP

Ohio State’s Defense Impresses

Last week’s win over Iowa showed why Ohio State is different this season. If the Buckeyes’ offense stumbled last season, Ohio State would fall into a hole as the defense struggled. Despite a slow offensive start, OSU took a 26-10 lead into halftime. The defense made several plays, including a 15-yard pick-six from linebacker Tommy Eichenberg.

Furthermore, the Hawkeyes were held to 158 yards and the Buckeyes forced six turnovers. Iowa was quickly put away once Ohio State’s offense woke up in the third quarter.

Iowa has one of college football’s worst offenses, so Ohio State’s defense still has a lot to prove. However, the Buckeyes have changed the game, ranking fifth nationally in points allowed per game and second in yards allowed. We know how good OSU’s offense is. The Buckeyes can go on a tear in the blink of an eye. With a solid defense, Ohio State is truly a national title contender. NCAAF odds have the Buckeyes as the co-national title favorite at +180.

Penn State will be Ohio State’s toughest challenge this season. The Nittany Lions’ secondary, pass rush and offense will be the best OSU has seen. To cover, the Buckeyes must slow the run.

Penn State in a Must-Win Situation

Penn State’s 41-17 loss to No. 4 Michigan was a huge disappointment. Following the embarrassing defeat, many questioned if the Nittany Lions were a good team. Penn State emphatically answered that concern with a 45-17 win over Minnesota. The Nittany Lions control their own destiny with every season goal alive. Saturday’s showdown with No. 2 Ohio State is a must-win. With a loss, PSU would fall out of the Big Ten title race.

The Nittany Lions’ talented secondary, which ranks third in allowed completion percentage, matches up well with Ohio State. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and safety Ji’Ayir Brown could give the Buckeyes fits. If Penn State can limit the explosive plays, it has a chance. Ohio State has struggled to run the ball at times. It averaged 2.2 yards per carry against Iowa.

On offense, quarterback Sean Clifford must play well. He has a history of stumbling in big games, especially against Ohio State. Clifford played poorly against Michigan, completing 7 of 19 passes with only 120 passing yards. The Buckeyes will likely focus on stopping the run, meaning Clifford has to be accurate down the field.

Ohio State vs Penn State Game Injuries

Ohio State vs Penn State Head-to-Head

Since a 24-21 road loss in 2016, Ohio State has won five straight against Penn State following a 33-24 decision last season. The Buckeyes’ previous two wins were by double digits.

Ohio State vs Penn State Game Information

  • Game: Ohio State vs Penn State.
  • Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pa.
  • Day/Time: Saturday, Oct. 29th, Noon ET
  • Ohio State vs Penn State Live Stream: ESPN

Ohio State vs Penn State Betting Lines


Ohio State vs Penn State Prediction

Under coach James Franklin, Penn State has frustrated Ohio State. The Nittany Lions beat the Buckeyes in 2016, followed by two one-point losses in 2017 and 2018. Last season, Penn State was a three-score underdog and covered with a 33-24 loss.

This is Penn State’s best team since 2019. The Nittany Lions have a talented defense that should give Ohio State some problems, especially in the run game. Most importantly, Beaver Stadium is a huge factor. An environment this loud can throw the opposing offense’s rhythm off. After a slow start, Ohio State will pull away, but Penn State will cover.

The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.

Ohio State vs Penn State Edge

Ohio State vs Penn State Results

Ohio State vs Penn State Game Summary

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