Ohio State and Penn State square off in a Big Ten matchup for the last time until 2028. Though it lost its luster, this will still be a battle.

In the preseason, this was one of college football’s games of the year. However, four straight losses for the Nittany Lions have tilted the game in favor of the home Buckeyes. Don’t be fooled by the records; there are NFL players on both sides and plenty of talent across the board.

This matchup will test Ohio State’s focus and resilience as it enters November. The games you remember are played in November, and this is the first for the Buckeyes. Let’s check in with our team for TSB Staff Picks against Penn State.

Dave: Ohio State 28 Penn State 10

Blake: This is one of the Big Ten’s and College Football’s premier games every season. Ohio State enters as the No. 1 team in the country with an elite defense. Ryan Day and Brian Hartline continue to unlock the offense. Saturday’s level should be more tempo to mitigate the opposing defense coordinated by Jim Knowles.

On the Penn State side, the Nittany Lions will need to control the ball and run the ball effectively. This will be a quick game. Not because of blowouts, but the clock may seemingly never stop. As it’s done all year, Ohio State will control the game, but Penn State is too talented not to cover. Ohio State 31 Penn State 13 

Dan: Penn State struggles to find an identity on offense under Ethan Grunkemeyer. The defense forces at least two turnovers. Ryan Day and the offense have a big day and make a statement towards former DC Jim Knowles. I expect Ohio State’s offensive line to bully Penn State’s defensive line similar to the final drive from last year’s game. Buckeyes win 42-3 

Cass: Ohio State vs Penn State was supposed to be the premier college football game of the season. Unfortunately, that is not in the works for Saturday’s match-up. I think Penn State will want to come in and spoil a possible undefeated season, but the Buckeyes will not allow it. I think Jim Knowles coming back into town won’t be a good reunion. I think Ryan Day will open the offense up, and I boldly predict the Buckeyes rush over 200 yards and the Buckeyes roll. Buckeyes 33 Nittany Lions 10

Carson H: Ryan Day has proven that this group will get up for any game, and even though the hype around this game is far from what could’ve been, it is still an excellent opportunity to fine-tune some things against some talented players for Penn State.

The offense should try to get everyone involved as they did against Wisconsin, where everyone had chances to make plays and move the ball down the field. One thing to work on, especially if the game script favors the Buckeyes early on, is running the football behind our solid offensive line with a variety of backs. We know what to expect from Smith, Tate, Inniss, and Klare, but let’s see more from Jackson, Donaldson, Peoples, and West.

The defense has been elite and will look to keep their insanely impressive numbers in this one. Penn State still has some solid players, especially at running back, and the defensive line and linebackers will need to be big in this one. Penn State will likely avoid throwing the ball unless it trails big, so the secondary will look to make plays when they can.

I expect the Scarlet and Gray to come out hot and leave no doubt, which they have done against lesser opponents as of late. The offense will hopefully let Sayin and the wideouts feast while the running backs find their footing. The defense will continue to ball out and frustrate the opposing offense. On offense, I think Bo Jackson will return to form and have a good game. On defense, I think the defensive line has the potential to wreak havoc, led by Caden Curry. The Buckeyes jump out to an early lead and coast to victory, led by the defense. Ohio State 31 Penn State 10

TJ: Offense figures out Jim Knowles’ defense quickly and gets stagnant later on in the game. Defense barely lets Penn State move the ball. The key is slowing down the run game and forcing their backup QB to make plays with his arm. Expect Matt Patricia to confuse him easily and often. Buckeyes win big 31-6.