Penn State vs. Ohio State Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Drew Allar, Penn State Finally Get By Ohio State?
We have a Big Ten battle on college football Saturday when Penn State plays Ohio State. Can Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions finally get by the Buckeyes? Jason Radowitz shares his Penn State vs. Ohio State prediction and pick.
Jason Radowitz - October 16, 2023, 9:21 AM EDT
7 minPenn State vs. Ohio State Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Penn State Finally Get By Ohio State?
This game isn't for the Big Ten. But it's damn near close.
The Penn State Nittany Lions will visit the Ohio State Buckeyes in a huge Big Ten matchup. Only one team from the Big Ten East will go to the Big Ten Championship.
It's been Michigan over the last two seasons. But the winner in this game has a chance to get into the Big Ten Championship with a win and another win against Michigan later in the season.
Can Penn State finally get by Ohio State this season?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's Big Ten matchup between the Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Ohio State Buckeyes.
Penn State vs. Ohio State Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: October 21, 2023
- Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Penn State vs. Ohio State Odds
- Spread: Ohio State -4.5 (-110), Penn State +4.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 48.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Ohio State (-190), Penn State (+160)
Penn State vs. Ohio State Injury Report
Penn State
Questionable: WR Jan Mahlert (Undisclosed), WR Mason Stahl (Undisclosed)
Ohio State
Questionable: WR Emeka Egbuka (Leg), RB TreVeyon Henderson (Undisclosed), S Cameron Martinez (Undisclosed), TE Joe Royer (Undisclosed), RB Chip Trayanum (Undisclosed), RB Miyan Williams (Undisclosed)
Ohio State vs. Penn State Prediction
Ohio State hasn't had the best quarterback play this season. Kyle McCord hasn't been Justin Fields or C.J. Stroud. However, he's done enough to help Ohio State reach 6-0 on the season.
Wins are all that matter. McCord has thrown for 1,651 yards with 11 touchdowns and just one interception. So, while he's not flashy. He's limited turnovers, and that's helped the Ohio State defense keep things in check.
The Buckeyes have allowed 263.5 yards per game on defense. They've held teams to 154.3 yards in the air and just 109.2 yards on the ground. The secondary has played lights out, and the run defense is just as elite. But while the pass rush hasn't been super effective, the Buckeyes have made up for it by tackling at a reliable pace.
On the other hand, Penn State averaged 426.7 yards per game behind Drew Allar. He's thrown 12 touchdowns and no interceptions this season. Allar's easily the better quarterback in this game. However, his receivers don't match what Ohio State has.
The Nittany Lions have also struggled to block for the run despite earning 203.3 yards per game on the ground. Once Penn State faces more challenging competition, the run game won't be as easy.
The same could be said about the defense. The Nittany Lions have only allowed 193.7 yards per game, including only 121.2 yards in the air and 72.5 yards on the ground.
These stats are absurd, but this team has faced inept offenses like Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Northwestern, and UMass over their last three games. The defense has missed a lot of tackles but still has an excellent pass rush with an elite secondary.
Both defenses will still perform at a higher level, while both teams have young quarterbacks who aren't used to this pressure. Ohio State faced Notre Dame, and the score was low-scoring, with McCord not playing at a high level.
I'm taking the Under in this game.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Pick
- PICK: Under 48.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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