With the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings just around the corner, all eyes are on the crucial matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions in Happy Valley. This high-stakes game features the No. 4-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes and No. 3-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions, two of the Big Ten’s powerhouses. With playoff chances and conference standings on the line, both teams are set for an intense battle.
Playoff and Big Ten Championship Stakes: Ohio State vs. Penn State
Ohio State, carrying a loss from its game against the No. 1 Oregon Ducks, must secure a win to maintain a strong position in the Big Ten and stay competitive in the playoff picture. Meanwhile, Penn State has managed to remain undefeated this season, but they haven’t beaten Ohio State since 2016. Head Coach James Franklin’s record against top teams has been a barrier for Penn State in past years, often keeping them from Big Ten titles and playoff bids.
According to the Allstate Playoff Predictor, a Penn State victory would significantly boost their playoff chances to 97%, while a loss would lower that number to 76%. Ohio State, on the other hand, faces a more urgent situation—winning this game raises their playoff chances to 88%, while a loss would drop their odds to 49%.
Ohio State vs. Penn State: Historical Rivalry in Numbers
- Series Record: Ohio State leads the all-time series against Penn State with a 25-14 record. The Buckeyes also hold a seven-game winning streak over the Nittany Lions.
- Top 5 Rankings Matchups: This game marks only the second time in history both teams meet while ranked in the AP Top 5. The last such clash was in 1996 when No. 3 Ohio State triumphed over No. 4 Penn State with a decisive 38-7 victory. That 31-point difference stands as Ohio State’s second-largest margin in an AP Top 5 matchup.
Ohio State’s Coach Ryan Day: Performance Against Top-Ranked Teams
Under head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has seen immense success with a 62-9 record overall, although he has faced challenges with AP Top 5 teams, currently holding a 2-6 record in those matchups. Only Michigan and Oregon have defeated Ohio State in the regular season during Day’s tenure. Remarkably, Ohio State has lost more than one conference game in a season just once since 2005, marking 2011 as a rare exception.
Penn State’s Record Against Top Teams Under Coach James Franklin
Penn State’s struggles against top-ranked opponents have been notable, with Franklin holding a 1-12 record against AP Top 5 teams. Among teams that have played at least ten games against top-ranked opponents this century, Penn State’s record stands as one of the worst. The Nittany Lions’ only win over a top-5 team this century came against Ohio State in 2016, a memorable game marked by a game-changing blocked field goal return.
Key Players and Recent Performances
The outcome of this game will largely hinge on each team’s key players, as both squads bring unique strengths and recent challenges into Saturday’s showdown.
- Penn State’s Standout Performances: The Nittany Lions are 7-0 this season, showcasing consistent play and a solid win against Wisconsin in Week 9 with a score of 28-13. However, Penn State’s starting quarterback, Drew Allar, left that game with a knee injury, putting his status for the Ohio State matchup in question. Sophomore backup Beau Pribula filled in effectively, completing 11 of 13 passes with one touchdown to help secure the win. Allar’s injury status adds an unpredictable element to Penn State’s offense heading into this crucial game.
- Ohio State’s Recent Challenges: In Week 9, Ohio State narrowly defeated Nebraska 21-17, which followed their earlier loss to Oregon. Although the Buckeyes clinched the win, their performance left some questions on the table. Quarterback Will Howard was a major contributor to the victory, throwing for 221 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Despite the close win, Ohio State’s defense and offensive depth will be put to the test in this critical game against an undefeated Penn State.
Follow Ohio State vs. Penn State: Game Details and Viewing Options
Fans and college football enthusiasts can catch all the action live as these two Big Ten giants clash for playoff hopes and conference dominance. The game promises not only a riveting display of skill but also high-impact moments that could shape the rest of the season for both teams.
- Game Date: Saturday, November 2
- Kickoff Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: Fox
- Streaming Options: Fubo, YouTube TV
- Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania
Conclusion: What’s at Stake in the Big Ten Showdown?
The Ohio State vs. Penn State rivalry is about more than just the Big Ten standings—it has significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations. For Ohio State, a win is necessary to stay in the playoff race and avoid another loss on their record. Meanwhile, Penn State is determined to keep their unbeaten streak alive and prove they can rise to the occasion in high-stakes matchups. The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions are each poised for a clash that promises memorable plays, strategic coaching, and playoff-defining moments.
Stay tuned as this pivotal game unfolds, bringing with it all the energy, tension, and drama that college football fans live for.