Ohio State vs. Penn State: Buckeyes Now Staff Predictions

Ahead of the Buckeyes' Week 8 matchup against the Nittany Lions, here are the Buckeyes Now staff picks for the game.

Entering their third conference matchup of the season against the Penn State Nittany Lions, the Ohio State Buckeyes have a protected spot in the CFP. 

In order to maintain that, however, they’ll need another win against Penn State, 

While a perfect season will be a tall order for coach Ryan Day and company, a one loss campaign is much more attainable, though the Buckeyes would preferably like to save that loss for later in the season — perhaps during a game against Michigan?

The reality is, however, that the loss could come against Penn State if they Buckeyes aren't careful. Finding an offensive spark early on will prove to be crucial, especially against a high-powered defense like the Nittany Lions'. 

However the game shakes out, it should provide Big Ten fans with an entertaining Saturday, so ahead of the Week 8 matchup, here are BuckeyesNow.com's staff predictions for Ohio State vs. Penn State: 

Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson rushes for a touchdown against Penn State on Oct. 29, 2022 / USA TODAY Sports

Matt Galatzan, Managing Editor

Ohio State is undefeated and ranked No. 3 in the country, while Penn State is likewise unbeaten and ranked No. 7. On paper it looks like a tight matchup against two great teams. That said, I don’t see a way Ohio State can win here. Yes they have history on their side and have a fantastic defense. But I just don’t see, given the way their offense has performed thus far, that they will be able score enough points to beat the Nittany Lions. It’s close but Penn State wins a defensive battle.

Penn State 23, Ohio State 16

Caleb Spinner, Staff Writer

Wherever the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions go, entertainment is sure to follow. For as much of a thriller as the Notre Dame game was earlier this season, I have a feeling this one will be just as good, if not better. I Expect Penn State to come out of the locker room swinging, eager for a chance to get a win against the Buckeyes in their home stadium. Ohio State will start off slow, with a majority of their points coming in the second half.

The Nittany Lions will do enough to keep things close throughout the contest, but a late-game touchdown will give the game to Ohio State and keep them undefeated. As for whom will score it, I would suggest Marvin Harrison Jr. (a.k.a. "Ol' Reliable"), but a stretch could be Dallan Hayden, assuming Ohio State needs him for the second weekend in a row.

Ohio State - 28, Penn State - 24

Cole Thompson, Staff Writer 

Has anyone seen that god-awful romcom "27 Dresses" with Cyclops from the live-action X-Men and the annoying blonde from Grey's Anatomy? It's about how this one girl is always the bridesmaid but never the bride and has accepted her fate of being alone in society. And that's honestly Penn State in the current college football realm.

But wait, did you see the end of the movie? Cyclops leaves Jean Grey for Izzy...or the two characters eventually fall in love and get married. That's how this year feels for the Nittany Lions. This is an offense that continues to improve under sophomore Drew Aller. Kaytron Allen and Nick Singelton are two of the best running backs in the country. And Manny Diaz's defense can make an offense one-dimensional early. 

Ohio State is a great team, but this is the year the Buckeyes give the toast to the blushing bride in Penn State. The Nittany Lions finally walk down the aisle or out of Ohio Stadium with a win. 

Penn State 34, Ohio State 24

Matt Guzman, Staff Writer

This season, the Buckeyes know what's at stake. Winning every game is a bigger deal to them than it is to most teams, especially if they want to claim a spot in the top-4 once again. To do that, they'll need to take down Penn State, and despite its impressive defensive lineup, Ohio State has seen defenses of that caliber before. Having two conference games and six total matchups prior to facing the Nittany Lions will be huge, so once the Buckeyes get going offensively, they won't be slowing down.

Ohio State 31, Penn State 17

Gaurav Law, Staff Writer

Ohio State has a had a good run both this season and against Penn State the past seven years. However, the Nittany Lions have not been in a better position to beat the Buckeyes — with the No. 1 overall defense, I would be surprised if they didn't get at least four sacks on Ohio State junior quarterback Kyle McCord.

In addition, McCord has only thrown one interception — that is definitely going to change. Penn State's secondary, headed by junior cornerback Kalen King, will come up big. The combination of Lions secondary and top rush defense will suffocate the Buckeyes… but both teams will remain in playoff contention.

Penn State 42, Ohio State 28