One of the best games of the year takes place this week when the undefeated Penn State Nittany Lions and the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes face off. This game has massive conference and playoff ramifications for both teams.
These two teams are both ranked in the top 10, and a win here would put them one step closer to locking up a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Last week, Penn State won a tune-up game, dismantling UMass 63-0. Ohio State, meanwhile, cruised to a victory over Big Ten opponent Purdue, 41-7.
What Channel Airs the Penn State-Ohio State Game?
Penn State @ Ohio State
- Start Time: Noon ET
- Channel: FOX
- Odds: Ohio State -4
- Over/Under Total: 47
There is no shortage of NFL talent in this game, no matter who is on the field. Penn State’s offense is led by quarterback Drew Allar, who has played well while facilitating the Nittany Lions offense.
He’ll need to step up and create more big plays if Penn State wants to win this rivalry game, but he has thrown 12 touchdowns to zero interceptions, which is the best you can ask for to start his career.
The Nittany Lions rely mainly on their two-headed monster at running back of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. The two of them have 734 rushing yards and nine touchdowns between them on the ground. Penn State’s offense doesn’t generate a ton of explosive plays, but they are efficient in moving the ball every drive.
MORE: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
They’ll be relying on the play of their offensive line, led by likely top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, left tackle Olu Fashanu. The Nittany Lions will need to keep Allar clean all game, something they have been tremendous at all season.
They’ll match up against an Ohio State defense that has been the strength of the team so far. Ohio State’s defense has been excellent in defending the pass this season. Led by cornerback Denzel Burke, the Buckeyes’ defense has allowed just four passing touchdowns all year and are one of just five teams who have yet to allow 1,000 yards passing on the season.
Ohio State’s run defense has also been outstanding. Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams has been a force up front for their defense and keeps linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers clean to make plays in the run game. The three lead the team in run stops on the season.
Ohio State will have to find its pass rush in this game if they want to win. The unit has just 11 sacks and ranks ninth in the Big Ten in pressures this season. Harassing Allar and putting him in obvious passing situations will be a must for the Buckeyes’ defense.
The matchup between Ohio State’s offense and Penn State’s defense will be must-see television. Ohio State is led by two likely first-round wide receivers in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Egbuka has missed time with injury this season, but head coach Ryan Day expressed optimism about his return against Penn State.
Those two receivers will have to create big plays against what may be the best defense in the country. Penn State has NFL-caliber talent at every level of their defense. Pass rusher Chop Robinson is one of the best in college football this season and has first-round buzz of his own.
Linebacker Abdul Carter is incredibly disruptive all over the field, leading the team in run stops and entering the game with 11 pressures on just 50 rushes. Penn State enters the game sixth in pressures and second nationally in sacks.
However, the Nittany Lions secondary is where their defense shines. Penn State has allowed the fewest yards in college football and has allowed just 78 completions on the year. They are the only team in college football allowing a completion percentage under 50% this season.
Led by cornerbacks Kalen King and Johnny Dixon, Penn State has allowed just one passing touchdown all season. This duo against Ohio State’s receiving group will be popcorn-worthy and could decide the whole game.
This top-10 matchup has NFL talent everywhere and two excellent teams facing off in one of the best environments in college football. This will be some must-see television and should be one of the best games of the season.