Ohio State vs. Penn State 2020: Game predictions
By Ryan Stano
Ohio State plays a big game on Saturday as they take on Penn State in Happy Valley. This is how the game will play out.
Ohio State has done a good job of beating most of the Big Ten over the years. They haven’t really been consistently challenged by any team in the conference. The only team that plays them tough year in and year out seems to be Penn State.
In both 2017 and 2018, Ohio State won by a single point in double-digit comebacks. Last season, it was a little more comfortable, as the Buckeyes won 28-17. Coming off a loss, the Nittany Lions will do everything they possibly can to derail the Buckeyes’ title hopes Saturday night.
Expect Penn State to run Sean Clifford early and often. Running quarterbacks have given the Buckeyes problems, as evidence by them giving up 165 yards to two running quarterbacks last week against Nebraska. Clifford ran for 119 yards last week against Indiana.
Keeping Clifford contained in the pocket will be key for Ohio State. It needs to keep the edge contained on read-options, which is something they did a poor job a week ago. I think the Buckeyes have been working on that all week and should do a better job of that on Saturday night.
On the offensive side, the Buckeyes should be able to have their way. The passing game looked unstoppable last week. The running game is the only question mark, but I believe that too will be better on Saturday. I don’t see any issues scoring points for the Scarlet and Gray.
Game prediction: Ohio State 42 Penn State 24
I do expect Penn State to be able to score some points on this defense. They weren’t able to get a lot of pressure in the passing game last week, so that might still be a problem this week. Even so, expect Fields to throw for close to 400 yards in this one.
Next. Jaxon Smith-Njigba may have had the catch of the year. dark
Because of Fields’ ability and the fact that they should have Chris Olave back, the Buckeyes should still be able to put up plenty of points to make this game an easy victory when it’s all said and done. Penn State will probably hang around for a half before the Buckeyes pull away.