TSB Staff Picks: Ohio State heads to Penn State for its second top five showdown in less than a month for one of College Football’s games of the year.

Dave: It’s a gotta-have-it game for the Bucks. Ohio State 27 Penn State 21

Blake: Confidence has waned in this game for me since the offensive line injuries have handicapped the offense. This matchup is one of College Football’s great spectacles every year and this year it’s a Top 5 showdown between Ohio State and Penn State. Signs point to Lathan Ransom and Drew Allar being able to play, so Josh Simmons remains the most notable injury.

I expect Will Howard to be heavily involved in the run game with RPOs and designed runs. His legs will be the difference in this game — whether running the ball, extending plays, or moving in the pocket. Penn State’s defense will probably get off the field a time or two extra, but Ohio State’s skill position players will find a way to win the game late. Ryan Day needs this win and the Buckeyes will play motivated and inspired. Ohio State 24 Penn State 20 

Cass: Ohio State vs Penn State has been one of those games the last decade that everyone looks forward to. So many close games and big moments. 2014 Joey Bosa pushing the Penn St rb into Christian Hackenburg, The Blocked FG in 2016 for James Franklin only win vs Buckeyes, the Perfect 4th quarter for JT Barrett, the Bin Victor TD in 2018 or the crazy JTT game in 2022 the Buckeyes vs the Nittany Lions had always lived up to the hype.

Last week after a sluggish game vs Nebraska the Buckeyes will come out fired up as well as Penn State. Offensively I think the Buckeyes will find a way to control clock with RPOs and finding some sort of running game. I think Will Howard has a big day. I think Howard will have 3 total touchdowns. Defensively I think they will be up for the challenge. I think the Buckeyes will control the line of scrimmage and stop the run. I also think Buckeye defense will force Drew Allar or Beau Pribula to throw which will force a couple INTS. Buckeyes win a close one. Ohio State 21 Penn State 16 

Dan: Penn State is due for a massive win in this series. It feels as if this is their best chance yet. A reeling Ohio State team that has not looked good the last two games travels to the toughest place to play in college football. I expect Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki to reach deep into his bag this game. Expect some crazy formations that work to get Tyler Warren involved. I would not be shocked if former Buckeye Julian Fleming somehow finds the end zone in this one. With that being said Will Howard continues to show why he should be a Heisman candidate and the Buckeyes escape an intense one. Ohio State 28 Penn State 24 

Carson H: This game will come down to what versions of these teams we get, especially Penn State. As of now, the quarterback is undecided, and the defense has either played very well or had lots of areas of concern in every game. If Ohio State is able to run the ball in some capacity to open up the air raid, they should have success in this game. It will come down to the defense to make enough plays against a Penn State offense that may struggle if the momentum is not going their way.

Jeremiah Smith showed against Oregon he is just fine in these environments, and Emeka Egbuka will get a lot of the targets as he and Howard continue to have a great connection. I see Smith continuing his elite play and possibly hitting the 100-yard mark, with Egbuka hauling in seven catches and a touchdown. Henderson and Judkins need to find some big plays like Henderson did last time the scarlet and gray played here, and I think they will find just enough to get it done.

When it all comes down to it, Ohio State has the better roster and their quarterback will be better than an injured Allar or healthy Pribula. Howard has all the added motivation going against a team he used to want to play for, but they didn’t write back. The Buckeyes will get back in their groove, but it won’t be easy, and this game may come down to a few plays in the fourth quarter. However, an ever-so important win for the Buckeyes gives them a great chance to recover and regroup with two easier matchups following. Ohio State owns Penn State, let’s not get it twisted. Ohio State 27 Penn State 17

AJ: Ohio State wins on a Game Winning Drive capped off by a JJ Smith TD. Allar is not a factor in this game as Singleton eats against the Buckeyes defense. It’s a tough matchup on the road and I think OSU gets off to a slow start but find their grove in the second half. Ohio State 28 Penn State 24