Ohio State vs. Penn State 2019 football Preview And Prediction

Ohio State is all set to host a big one against a top ten Penn State squad on Saturday and we’ve got your preview and prediction.

Ohio State game plan for victory

The Buckeyes have had a winning recipe all season long. Efficient and balanced on offense and suffocating on defense. There will need to be more of the same to remain unbeaten.

Penn State has one of the top ranked defenses in the nation coming in top five the Big Ten and top 20 in the nation giving up only 13.5 ppg. Fortunately, Ohio State has faced a top tier defense earlier in the season in Wisconsin and the Buckeye offense was just too much for the Badgers.

Ohio State will have to account for two bookend defensive linemen in Shaka Toney and Yetur Gross-Matos each pulling in 6.5 sacks on the season.

The Buckeye defense faces a more than capable Nittany Lion offense. QB Sean Clifford has been outstanding in his first year starting, throwing for over 2,400 yards and 22 touchdowns to only 6 interceptions. But it’s Clifford’s receiving threats KJ Hamler (if he’s cleared to play) and Jahan Dotson that could cause problems. Both are averaging over 17 yards per reception and have a combined 11 receiving TDs. The good news? Ohio State has NFL talent aplenty in the secondary.

Penn State is the second most potent offense in the Big Ten (behind Ohio State) but with Chase Young back in the mix, will Clifford have time to connect with his big play receivers?

Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 1 p.m. ET. 

Next … The key players for Ohio State

Two Key Players For Ohio State

Justin Fields, Quarterback. Justin Fields has been just about perfect this season. Seriously… Fields has completed 69.1% of his passes, has thrown 31 touchdowns to only 1 interception, rushed for ten more TDs and owns a QB rating of over 190. Those of us who’ve watched him play know he’s the real deal. He’ll have the opportunity to prove himself once again, this time against a top ten team.

Chase Young, Defensive End.  He’s back. He’s rested. And my guess, he’s angry. Bad combination if you’re a Penn State offensive lineman trying to stop Young. The Buckeyes dodged a bullet when Young’s suspension was ruled to be only two games. Even better when those two games were Maryland and Rutgers. Now, a probable top five pick in the NFL draft is back for the stretch run and the most important games of the season.

Next … How it’ll all do down

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