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How to Watch: Is This the Year Penn State Beats Ohio State?

Joe Smeltzer

Published

November 2, 2024

Will this be the year Penn State gets Ohio State?

Abdul Carter tackles Ohio State's Miyan Williams.

The time has come: Penn State is playing Ohio State today, and many are wondering if it’s now or never.

Penn State is 1-9 against OSU since James Franklin took over as head coach in 2014.

Penn State doesn’t play Ohio State in Beaver Stadium again until 2028, so if this year’s team can’t get it done, it’s fair to ponder if it’s even possible.

PSU is the higher-ranked team (No. 3 vs. No. 4) has a better record (7-1 vs. 6-0) and is playing at home but Ohio State is still favored by a little more than a field goal. Will Penn State prove the oddsmakers wrong?

DREW IS THE DUDE

Penn State coach James Franklin said not playing Drew Allar in the second half came down to him being healthy enough to lead the offense the way Penn State wanted him to.

MADISON, WI – OCTOBER 26: Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) celebrates his touchdown catch with Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) durning a college football game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Wisconsin Badgers on October 26th, 2024 at Barry Alvarez field inside Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire)

Earlier this week, it wasn’t apparent whether or not Penn State starting QB Drew Allar would be able to go Saturday. But he practiced Wednesday before media and looked good. Less than 48 hours later, Pete Nakos of On3Sports reported that Allar is indeed expected to get the start.

For Penn State to beat Ohio State, having its QB1 helps.

DDS COULD BE MIA

Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton’s statues won’t be known until close to game time against Ohio State

Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Dani Dennis-Sutton

Although Allar is apparently good to go, the same might not be said for one of Penn State’s best defensive players. Dani Dennis-Sutton, like Allar, left the Wisconsin game, in his case with an apparent groin injury. Unlike Allar, Dennis-Sutton wasn’t seen at this week’s media viewing window.