Ohio State vs. Penn State predictions, picks, odds
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Underdog status is motivation for Ohio State game
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Entering the 2025 season ranked No. 2 and expected to contend for a national title, the Penn State Nittany Lions instead slipped to a 3–4 overall record, 0-4 in Big Ten play, and watched their playoff hopes evaporate in real time.
Ohio State football coach Ryan Day offered praise for former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and his role in the Buckeyes’ run to the national championship last season. Day will see Knowles,
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Ryan Day Discusses Relationship With Ex-Ohio State DC Jim Knowles Ahead of Penn State Game. No. 1 Ohio State takes on unranked, interim coach-led Penn State this weekend in a matchup that is far from the expectations that most had for the contest before the season.
Penn State’s 2023 and 2024 teams combined to win 23 games. But the Nittany Lions only scored one offensive touchdown in two meetings with Ohio State. This PSU offense is not on the same level as the last two, with Drew Allar injured and new starting quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer lacking in experience.
FIRST AND TEN The No. 1/1 Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0; 4-0 Big Ten) host the Penn State Nittany Lions (3-4, 0-4) in a 12 noon game at Ohio Stadium that FOX
The Nittany Lions quarterback grew up near Columbus among Buckeyes fans. He has dreamed of playing at Ohio Stadium.
The latest betting number is Ohio State -20.5, per the DraftKings website. Three touchdowns. Penn State is missing key starters Drew Allar and Tony Rojas, who are out with long-term injuries. Ohio State is 10-1 in its last 11 meetings with the Lions. Penn State’s last victory over the Buckeyes occurred in 2016 at Beaver Stadium.
Ohio State will pay tribute to two late players, Nick Mangold and Bob Maggs, before the Buckeyes kick off against Penn State on Nov. 1.
Since a narrow Week 4 loss to Oregon, the Nittany Lions have dropped four straight, including defeats to UCLA, Northwestern, and Iowa, each one sealed by a late defensive breakdown. With quarterback Drew Allar out for the season, Penn State’s offense has sputtered, ranking 100th nationally in total yards.