Penn State Looks to Upset Ohio State in College Football’s Marquee Matchup
This Saturday, November 2nd, Beaver Stadium will be rocking as the Penn State Nittany Lions host the Ohio State Buckeyes in a clash of Big Ten titans. Kickoff is set for noon EST, with ESPN’s College GameDay broadcasting live from Happy Valley, capturing the electric atmosphere surrounding this pivotal matchup.
Ohio State enters the game as a 3.5-point road favorite (BETONLINE), with the total set at 45. The Buckeyes are aiming to maintain their dominance in the series, having won the last 7 meetings. Penn State’s last victory came in 2016, a thrilling 24-21 home win.
However, this Ohio State team has shown some vulnerability. After a scare against Nebraska last week, winning by just 4 points, questions linger about their defense. Two weeks prior, they surrendered 34 points and nearly 500 yards to Oregon. Adding to their concerns, the Buckeyes offensive line is banged up, potentially missing two starting tackles due to injuries.
Penn State, meanwhile, is undefeated and riding high after a road win at Wisconsin. But they face uncertainty at quarterback, with starter Drew Allar questionable due to a lower-body injury sustained last week. Allar’s potential absence looms large, as backup Beau Pribula, while a talented dual-threat option, lacks Allar’s experience.
Key Factors:
- Penn State’s Home Field Advantage: Beaver Stadium will be a cauldron of noise, providing a significant boost for the Nittany Lions.
- Ohio State’s Offensive Line: Can the Buckeyes protect their quarterback against a strong Penn State defense, especially with potential injuries on the offensive line?
- Penn State’s Quarterback Situation: Will Allar play? If not, can Pribula rise to the occasion against a formidable opponent?
- Coaching Matchup: Penn State coach James Franklin is just 1-9 against Ohio State, adding another layer of intrigue to this contest.
Prediction:
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Penn State’s quarterback, our model, based on the last 4 games of data, predicts a 20-18 Penn State victory. The Nittany Lions’ strong defense and home field advantage could be enough to overcome Ohio State, especially if the Buckeyes’ offensive line struggles.
Betting Angle:
The uncertainty around Penn State’s quarterback situation has likely inflated the line, offering extra value for those backing the Nittany Lions. We’re going to back Pann State in this spot to stay undefeated and find a way to win.
Penn State +3.5