First Look: Penn State Vs. Ohio State

The unbeaten Nittany Lions believe their best football is ahead. They'll test that theory at Ohio State.

After seven weeks on the trail, we've finally arrived at the Big Ten's first signature moment of the 2023 college football season. Penn State and Ohio State meet as unbeatens for the first time since 2018, when the Buckeyes scored their second consecutive one-point victory. This series has been full of classic moments, with Penn State coach James Franklin (despite his 1-8 record) in the middle of several. Franklin, of course, has yet to win at Ohio Stadium. Could that streak end Satutrday? Our first look at Penn State-Ohio State.

No. 7 Penn State (6-0) vs. No. 3 Ohio State (6-0)

When: Noon ET Saturday

Where: Ohio Stadium

TV: FOX

Streaming: FuboTV (Start your free trial)

Betting Line: Ohio State is a 4.5-point favorite, according to DraftKings

Series History: Ohio State leads 24-14

Last Meeting: Ohio State 44-31 in 2022

Streaks: Ohio State has won six straight overall and the last five at home

About the Lions: After recording career-highs in sacks (2.5) and tackles for loss (3.5), defensive end Adisa Isaac plotted Penn State's defense as still on an upward arc. "I really don't think we’re at our best," Isaac said. "I think we still have some growing to do but we’re in a healthy spot." How healthy? The Lions lead the nation in total and passing defense, allow the fewest first downs, rank second in scoring and sacks and allow the fewest plays of 10+ yards in college football. Penn State's elite defense is entering the realm of the best in school history. And it certainly has some of the traits that led Penn State to one of its few Big Ten wins at Ohio State: the 13-6 defensive duel in 2008. Penn State's defense is poised for this moment. What helps further was Saturday's timely emergence of Daequan Hardy on punt returns (he made history with two touchdowns) and the re-emergence of tight end Theo Johnson, who caught two touchdown passes. Penn State also seems relatively healthy, a vital point for Saturday.

About the Buckeyes: Ohio State routed Purdue 41-7 in a road win that took on extra situational meaning. The Buckeyes' defense is every bit as suffocating as Penn State's; the Buckeyes have allowed just six touchdowns this season to Penn State's seven. Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich, who was Ryan Day's quarterbacks coach at Ohio State in 2019, faces a spirited week of game-planning. However, the Buckeyes' offense is in flux. Ohio State finished the Purdue game with fourth-string running back Dallen Hayden, a true freshman, because its top three backs were hurt. TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams missed the game with injuries (and perhaps for precautionary reasons), and starter Chip Trayanum left the game with an injury. Day kept his post-game updates short on the backs, but that's a major story line to follow. Further, Day made the wily decision to play backup quarterback Devin Brown as a changeup to Kyle McCord, something Franklin has teased for Penn State's offense with Beau Pribula all season. Now, Franklin has to prepare for Brown, whom Day called "powerful" and "explosive," when he wanted the upper hand in the backup-quarterback duel o be his. It's an intriguing subplot to an already fascinating game.

More on Penn State

Penn State Football on SI.com

Welcome to Penn State-Ohio State week

Penn State-UMass report card: The Lions tune up their tuneup

Penn State 63, UMass 0: Breakdown of another Beaver Stadium shutout

How Daequan Hardy made Penn State special teams history vs. UMass

James Franklin says scheduling comments were mischaracterized

Penn State's official NIL collective now has an official beer

Big Ten, playoff expansion 'magnifies' scheduling strategies, James Franklin says

Quarterback commit Ethan Grunkemeyer discusses committing to Penn State and his relationship with Drew Allar

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.