The Ohio State-Penn State showdown in college football has historically been one filled with upsets and dominant performances. Whether it was the blocked field goal to give Penn State their Big 10 title in 2016, or the dominant showings from CJ Stroud and Justin Fields, there is no love lost between the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes.
The 2022-23 matchup poses an interesting chance for both teams. Penn State can get back in the thick of the Big Ten title race with a win on Saturday, while Ohio State has its first real test of the season against a top-15 opponent.
Who will come out on top? We have everything you need to know about the matchup here.
#2 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. #13 Penn State Nittany Lions
Where: Beaver Stadium
When: 12:00 pm – ET
How to Watch: FOX
Spread: OSU -15
Over/Under: 61.0
The Matchup
Outside of Hendon Hooker, CJ Stroud has been the favorite for the Heisman Trophy over the first nine weeks. His arm strength, accuracy, and talent around him have made the Buckeyes’ offense into one of the most dominant in school history.
It doesn’t matter who is catching the football but Marvin Harrison Jr. has been on a touchdown role and will have a great matchup against a Nittany Lions defense that is ranked among the tops in college football in deflected passes.
All this leads to the very real debate going on in Happy Valley right now. Can Sean Clifford make the right play at the right time to not only keep Penn State in the game, but also win it? The Nittany Lions quarterback is one of the more inconsistent throwers in college football and will need to be perfect to even have a chance in this game.
Top Prop Bets
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First to Score – Penn State +135
In rivalry games, it’s not uncommon for the underdog to come out hot or play really well to start. This happens a lot with Penn State against their rival Buckeyes. Over the last few meetings, the overall point differential has been just 6.5.
I think, with Penn State being at home, it won’t be a shock if the Nittany Lions somehow find a way to have an early lead, even if they end up losing by two scores. Ohio State hasn’t played a ranked opponent this season yet so it could be an adjustment for them as well.
Ohio State – Second Half Spread -6.5
It won’t be surprising if Penn State keeps it close at least in the first half on Saturday. College football is all about matchups and the Nittany Lions have a good overall matchup against Ohio State.
That being said, Ryan Day and the Ohio State staff are one of the best at adjusting in the second half and suffocating their opponents. I think a -6.5 spread in the second half is very small and an easy win with Ohio State pulling away in the second half.
It also matters that James Franklin and his staff are one of the worst coaching staffs in college football when it comes to adjusting.
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