We now know when Penn State will take on No. 1 Ohio State.
Due to Penn State’s recent four-game losing streak, some wondered whether Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” would want this matchup after all.
It turns out, it still does.
For the fourth straight season, Penn State-Ohio State will be at noon. Normally, this is something that would annoy fans of both teams.
But because Penn State’s season fell apart to the point where James Franklin lost his job after 11.5 seasons, a matchup that was expected by some the season to be No. 1 vs. No. 2 will instead be No. 1 vs. unranked.
Speaking of No. 2, that’s who Penn State has scheduled the week after Ohio State. So, a season that started with national championship expectations now has Penn State staring 3-6 straight in the face. Assuming Penn State doesn’t beat Ohio State or Indiana, it must sweep its last three against Michigan State, Nebraska and Indiana, to get to .500 and become bowl eligible.
As for Ohio State, the Buckeyes are as strong as ever. With a defense giving up less than six points per game (yes, you read that right), and an offensive that features playmakers such as receiver Jeremiah Smith, quarterback Julian Sayin and true freshman sensation running back in Bo Jackson (not that Bo Jackson, but he does play like it at times), Ohio State has a realistic chance to repeat as national champs.
For Penn State, it will be a hostile homecoming for new QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, who grew up in Olentangy, right in the middle of Buckeye Country.
This will be Penn State’s first, and maybe only, “Big Noon” game of 2025.
