Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Game Preview: Who Has The Edge?

The Week 8 matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Penn State Nittany Lions is a critical one in the Big Ten East race.

Winning 11 of the last 12 games in a head-to-head series is no easy feat. 

For the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes, that's what will be at stake when they take home field against the Penn State Nittany Lions. All eyes will be on the Buckeyes and whether or not they can continue their dominance over their Big Ten rival.

But it won't be easy. Saturday's matchup could provide a strong boost of momentum heading into the back half of the season for the Buckeyes.

The No. 7 Nittany Lions, on the other hand, enter Saturday also undefeated and ranked just a few spots behind Ryan Day's squad. If Penn State steals a home game from Ohio State, not only will it have its statement win, but it will have done so on the road. 

Sep 29, 2018; University Park, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver K.J. Hill (14) crosses the goal line to score the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium / James Lang, USA TODAY Sports

The biggest challenge for Ohio State will be the Penn State defense, which currently ranks No. 1 in the nation in total defense. It also ranks No. 2 in the Big Ten in scoring defense behind Michigan, giving up just eight points per game.

The Nittany Lions also rank No. 1 in the Big Ten in rush defense and pass defense.

Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions offense is explosive as well, ranking No. 5 in the country in scoring offense, averaging 44.3 points per game, and gaining 426.7 yards per contest.

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Penn State Nittany Lions

2023 Record: 6-0, 3-0 Big Ten

Head coach: James Franklin

Returning Offensive Leaders:

Passing: QB Drew Allar

118 of 181 passing for 1,254 yards and 12 touchdowns, with zero interceptions

Rushing: RBs Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen

Allen: 78 carries for 378 yards (4.8 YPC) and three touchdowns

Singleton: 89 carries for 362 yards (4.1 YPC) and six touchdowns 

Receiving: WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith

2023 stats: 31 receptions, 402 yards, 13 yards per catch, three touchdowns

Defensive Leaders:

Tackles: LB Curtis Jacobs, 23

Interceptions: CB Daequan Hardy, two

Sacks: DE Adisa Isaac, five