The stage is set for a massive Big Ten matchup between Ohio State and Penn State in Week 10.
Sunday’s latest AP poll has the undefeated Nittany Lions ranked No. 3, one spot ahead of the 6-1 Buckeyes. Next Saturday’s matchup at University Park will carry significant conference and College Football Playoff ramifications.
Can James Franklin finally lead Penn State to a big win over a highly-ranked foe? ESPN Analytics doesn’t like his chances.
As of Sunday afternoon, ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Ohio State a 61 percent probability of winning the Big Ten showdown. The Buckeyes have opened as 3.5-point road favorites.
Ohio State has won the last seven games against Penn State and are 10-1 against Franklin since he took the coaching job in 2014. The Nittany Lions haven’t defeated a top-10 opponent in the regular season since 2016.
However, Penn State will hope things are different with Drew Allar leading a more explosive offense. The junior is averaging 10.0 yards per pass attempt, up considerably from last year’s 6.8, for a team averaging 33.3 points per game.
While Penn State cruised to a Week 9 win at Wisconsin, Ohio State rebounded from a loss to Oregon with a narrow 21-17 home victory over Wisconsin. The ballyhooed backfield duo of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson combined for 54 rushing yards.
Ryan Day’s team has yet to face a ranked opponent outside of Oregon, which has since climbed to No. 1 in the nation. Beating Penn State would keep Ohio State in the Big Ten title picture while cementing its status as a championship contender right before the first CFP rankings get released.
Saturday’s marquee Big Ten matchup starts at noon ET on FOX.
Related: Ohio State Quarterback Will Howard Has Bold Warning For Penn State