Game History
This rivalry with an ever-increasing intensity is bound to take another leap this weekend as the #3 Nittany Lions host the #4 Buckeyes in Happy Valley. The first match occurred in 1912, Pennsylvania triumphed with a score of 37-0. This became one of the most demanding rivalries in college football since it joined the Big Ten Conference in 1993. The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 24-14, winning every game since 2017. This year's matchup pits two powerhouse offenses: Penn State quarterback Drew Allar versus Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, and both are ready to roll. Saturday at noon ET.
Coaches
On one side, we have Ryan Day, the head coach of Ohio State. Day has been a revelation since his tenure began in 2019 and holds an overall score of sixty wins out of sixty three, but his achievements have not been consistent and he has opened only two wins against the ranked top five teams from total seven played games. On the other side, James Franklin leads Penn State. Franklin has built a strong program in Happy Valley, but he's 1-12 against AP top-five opponents.
Relationships and Rivalry Dynamics
The relationship between these two teams is intense and competitive. This is a big one. Ohio State has owned the series lately but Penn State is always looking to pull the upset. Close games and finishes are the norm so if you’re a college football fan you have to see this.
Players to Watch
From Ohio State look out for TreVeyon Henderson who has been dominant in carrying a significant portion of the Buckeyes’ offense. Drew Allar is Penn State's standout player, assuming he is fit to play. Allar has performed admirably this season, leading the Big Ten in passing yards and touchdowns. If he can't go, backup Beau Pribula has demonstrated his ability to jump in and make an impact.
Outcome Prediction
It appears this game will be a fierce competition with both teams expecting victory. Looking at the last few games played, Ohio State seems to have an advantage, but Penn State's strong season and home-field advantage could tip the scales. Allar returning would boost Penn State’s odds, but a star-studded performance from Ohio State is possible in his absence. In any case, it appears to be an intriguing game with significant ramifications for the Big Ten Championship race.