Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines for Ohio State vs. Penn State

Some say these are two of the four best college football teams, but does everyone believe them?

Ohio State played well in a loss to Oregon but not so well in a home win over Nebraska after a two-week break. But even with all the worry, the injuries (more on that in a moment), and the mini-freakout, they still won 21–17.

Since 2022, Ohio State has only given up more than 17 points twice. Last year, one was against Michigan and the other was against Oregon. The group is still pretty good.

Penn State has not lost yet, but their play has not been very impressive either.

It took too much work and a few breaks to get by USC. It pushed past Wisconsin and beat UCLA. But there is a lot going on, like James Franklin’s problems at the press conference last week and quarterback Drew Allar getting hurt against the Badgers.

But Washington, Purdue, Minnesota, and Maryland are coming up soon, and Oregon, Michigan, and Indiana do not have games left. If Penn State wins this game, they will almost certainly be in the Big Ten Championship.

Ohio State vs Penn State Preview

Ohio State vs Penn State How to Watch
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
Venue: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
How to Watch: FOX
Penn State (7-0), Ohio State (6-1)

Why Ohio State Will Win

Still going strong is Ohio State’s defense.

After the last few weeks, everyone seems to think that the Ohio State Buckeyes are bad at football. However, the defense held Nebraska to just 273 yards of offense and played tough late in the game.

The defense is ranked second in the country, just behind Texas. They give up less than 12 points per game, and Penn State does not score many.

Again, star quarterback Drew Allar is hurt and might not play right now. When junior Beau Pribula took over against the Badgers, he did a great job. He completed 85% of his passes, gaining 98 yards and a touchdown. He also runs well enough to worry about.

Now Ohio State has a week to get ready for both him and Allar.

Penn State’s offense is great. The line has been great at stopping passes, there is speed everywhere, and it does not score a lot of points. Getting past 20 points against this Ohio State defense will take a lot, but…

Why Penn State Will Win

How to explain Ohio State’s offense…

This is amazing. At most skill positions, it has all the NFL parts you could want. Quarterback Will Howard is an experienced pro who has been around the block a few times, and this team just seems to be under a lot of stress.

It seems like it is trying too hard, but to be honest, it knows how to get by on talent in key spots.

But the offensive line is hurt. The next men up are good, and Ohio State is another good choice, but things are still being put together.

Penn State’s pass rush is not as strong as it was in previous years, but it is still great. Their run defense is solid, and other than a few mistakes against USC and Bowling Green, they have not given up a thing.

Things are very tough for Ohio State. There it is again—trying so hard. It is almost like the saying, “Do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” The Penn State defense needs to be as tough as Oregon’s was, and it needs to…

Ohio State vs Penn State: Who Will Win

Take charge of third downs. Is that possible for Penn State?

On third downs, Allar’s offense has been great, but Ohio State’s defense is second in the conference at getting out of the way. The defense at Penn State is third best.

To take pressure off the offensive line, Ohio State will try to hit Penn State as hard as possible. But once Will Howard gets going, everything will start to work.

Which two games did Penn State come down to the wire? In terms of points scored, Illinois was near the top, but Bowling Green and USC were the only two teams that let multiple touchdown passes go through.

Will Howard will throw more than one touchdown.

It will not be pretty, but the Buckeyes will get the job done.