This is the big one: Penn State and Ohio State, and it’s time for predictions.
Will this be the year Penn State finally gets it done?
Will the offense have a pulse, which it didn’t in Columbus last season?
Will coach James Franklin and company fall short again?
We’ll find out soon enough.
In the meantime, here are our predictions for Penn State and Ohio State.
MIKE ASTI (YARDBARKER/WVSN)
It’s been said Penn State’s 2024 season comes down to this game. And while that’s kinda unfair, there are people who will judge James Franklin and the Nittany Lions by what they do against Ohio State above all else.
Penn State is at home and the higher-ranked team but Ohio State is favored for a reason. PSU has been able to win without Drew Allar having to be at his best, but that won’t work in this matchup.
I do expect a classic game. I don’t expect Ohio State to dominate this game like they have this rivalry throughout the last decade. But I also expect another disappointment for Penn State fans.
Fortunately, Penn State will still likely make the College Football Playoff, even if not as a Big Ten champion. And by rights, a loss to a fellow Top 5 team shouldn’t be enough to eliminate them since they do have a ranked win on their resume as well.
It’s tempting to pick Penn State, figuring Franklin is due for a mega win over a ranked opponent and none would be bigger for the program than beating Ohio State. However, the talent edge of the Buckeyes will be too much again.
Ohio State 33, Penn State 30
AUSTIN BECHTOLD (NITTANY SPORTS NOW/93.7 THE FAN
This is sincerely Penn State’s best chance to beat Ohio State since 2016. I’m conflicted about this, and it likely means more for Ohio State than Penn State for College Football Playoff implications. This game will be won at the line of scrimmage, limiting turnovers, and big plays.
If Drew Allar plays, I’m more confident Penn State wins. I’m teetering by the day on who I think is going to win and solidify themselves as a likely bid holder in the Big Ten Championship Game. James Franklin’s 1-9 record against Ohio State is concerning. Can Franklin finally win the big conference game again? Holding my breath, Penn State wins 31-24 and the valley is certainly Happy.
Penn State 31, Ohio State 24
JARROD PRUGAR (NITTANY SPORTS NOW)
This is THE game for Penn State to prove they belong and prove they can beat Ohio State without it being a fluke. The Buckeyes are banged up a little up front and the Nittany Lions need to take advantage of that in a big way. A win puts Penn State on a crash course with Indianapolis while a close loss probably secures a home playoff game.
Penn State 24, Ohio State 17.
JOE SMELTZER (NITTANY SPORTS NOW)
It’s now or never. Penn State is 1-9 against Ohio State in James Franklin’s tenure. Franklin talks all the time about how crazy college football is and how hard it is to win consistently (which he’s right about.)
James Franklin after Penn State heat Maryland, 51-15: “I think we take winning for granted. You come into a press conference after we win and it doesn’t feel like it.” pic.twitter.com/aCl8gzHiXg
— Mike Poorman (@PSUPoorman) November 5, 2023
But by that logic, Ohio State shouldn’t beat Penn State as consistently as it does. The script is due to flip.
From an on-field standpoint, I think Penn State— even with the possibility of Dani Dennis-Sutton not playing— could still dominate the Ohio State offensive line— which could be a mess— up front. Veterans Amin Vanover (fourth-year) and Smith Vilbert (fifth-year) are capable, and true freshman Max Granville could surprise people.
If Penn State wins the battle of the trenches, it will win the game. I think that a few turnovers will make life easier for the Penn State offense, and maybe Penn State is due to make a big special teams play— which this series has seen a few of— as well.
Penn State 31, Ohio State 27