Nittany Lions Host Buckeyes in Marquee Game of the Season (Game Preview)

No. 4 Ohio State (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) at No. 3 Penn State (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten)

Date: Saturday, November 2

Times: 12:00 PM

Location: Beaver Stadium (University Park, PA)

Coverage

• TV: FOX

• Radio: CommRadio & 97.1 The Fan (OSU) & LionVision (PSU)

• Live Stats: ESPN GameCast & StatBroadcast (PSU)

Storylines

Howard’s ‘Homecoming’ in Happy Valley

The Buckeyes starting quarterback said in an interview earlier this week that Penn State didn’t think Howard was “good enough” for a scholarship offer. The graduate transfer from Kansas State is excited to come back to the Keystone State for a major matchup, as he played football at Downingtown West High School before college. (Source: CBS Sports)

Allar Projected to Play Saturday

After hurting his lower left leg in a road game at Wisconsin last week, the junior quarterback is likely to play against the Buckeyes. Both Allar and Pribula played significant reps in practice this week, according to Penn State head coach James Franklin. (Source: On3)

No. 4 Ohio State at No. 3 Penn State: Team Numbers

No. 4 Ohio State	Offense	No. 3 Penn State
41.2	Points Per Game	33.3
296.3	Pass Yards Per Game	266.6
185.5	Rush Yards Per Game	197.1
40.85%	3rd Down %	50.00%
7 (1.00)	Turnovers (per game)	9 (1.29)

No. 4 Ohio State	Defense	No. 3 Penn State
12.7	Points Allowed PG	14.3
172.0	Pass Yards Allowed PG	174.6
87.2	Rush Yards Allowed PG	93.0
30.68%	Opponent 3rd Down %	32.63%
12 (1.71)	Takeaways (per game)	15 (2.14)

Buckeyes Hold Significant Head-to-Head Advantage

Penn State is 14-24 against Ohio State all-time, according to Winsipedia. Their last meeting was on October 21, 2023, when Ohio State beat Penn State 20-12 at home. Penn State is 6-10 against Ohio State at home all-time, with their last home meeting being on October 29, 2022, when Ohio State won 44-31. Ohio State has won the last 7 head-to-head meetings dating back to 2017. Penn State last beat Ohio State on October 22, 2016, when the Nittany Lions won, 24-21.

Players To Watch on Offense

No. 4 Ohio State

• QB Will Howard, Gr.

  • Passing: 134-for-181, 1,795 yds, 17 TD, 4 INT

• RB Quinshon Judkins, Jr.

  • Rushing: 81 car, 520 yds, 6 TD

• WR Jeremiah Smith, Fr.

  • Receiving: 35 rec, 623 yds, 8 TD

No. 3 Penn State

• QB Drew Allar, Jr.

  • Passing: 117-for-164, 1,640 yds, 12 TD, 4 INT

  • Rushing: 34 car, 129 yds, 3 TD

• RB Kaytron Allen, Jr.

  • Rushing: 101 car, 509 yds, 4 TD

• TE Tyler Warren, Sr.

  • Receiving: 47 rec, 559 yds, 4 TD

Players To Watch on Defense

No. 4 Ohio State

• DE J.T. Tuimoloau, Sr.

  • Defense: 20 tot, 4 sacks, 6 TFL

• CB Denzel Burke, Sr.

  • Defense: 25 tot, 2 INT, 2 PD

• S Sonny Styles, Jr.

  • Defense: 40 tot, 19 solo, 3 TFL

No. 3 Penn State

• DE Abdul Carter, Jr.

  • Defense: 30 tot, 4 sacks, 9.5 TFL

• DT Zane Durant, Jr.

  • Defense: 18 tot, 2.5 sacks, 6 TFL

• S Jaylen Reed, Sr.

  • Defense: 44 tot, 2 INT, 2 PD

Game Promotions

• Helmet Stripe Game

Quick Picks: Expert Analysis

Bryan: This game has been eight years in the making for Penn State. There hasn’t been a better chance since then to get the victory for the Nittany Lions, and that streak should end with a close win for them.

Pick: No. 3 Penn State