Every week, we will be picking the score, MVP, and major storyline for each Buckeye game.
Being the Buckeye beat’s black sheep blog, we here at Land-Grant Holy Land like to pat ourselves on the back. So, throughout the season, members of our staff will be making predictions about that day’s game. They will go on the record with what they think the final score will be, who the game’s MVP will be, and what the major storyline will be coming out of the day.
The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes will head to the road to take on the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 12 noon ET in a game to be broadcast on Fox. As of this article’s writing, the Bucks are 3.5-point favorites according to FanDuel Sportsbook. College football’s gold-standard advanced analytics model SP+ is predicting a score of 25-24 in favor of Ohio State.
Check out what our staff members think and then let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments below. As we move forward with the season, you will be able to keep up with just how well our prognosticators do on a weekly basis HERE.
Josh Dooley
Score Prediction: Penn State 24, Ohio State 21
Game MVP: Abdul Carter
Major Storyline: Ohio State’s inability, or flat-out refusal, to make necessary personnel changes will be the headline. The offensive line will continue to struggle, and the pass rush will be ineffective, unfortunately.
Connor Lemons
Score Prediction: Penn State 24, Ohio State 17
Game MVP: Abdul Carter
Major Storyline: Can Ohio State make the CFP if they finish 10-2 and don’t play in the Big Ten title game?
Brett Ludwiczak
Score Prediction: Ohio State 28, Penn State 20
Game MVP: Jeremiah Smith
Major Storyline: The Ohio State offensive line has a bounce-back performance as the Buckeyes win their eighth straight over Penn State.
Gene Ross
Score Prediction: Penn State 38, Ohio State 28
Game MVP: Abdul Carter
Major Storyline: Ohio State’s offensive line allows five+ sacks, including a sack-fumble by Abdul Carter that leads to a touchdown.
Matt Tamanini
Score Prediction: Ohio State 27, Penn State 20
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: In a game where the offensive line will continue to struggle to run block, Ohio State’s quarterback will get the ball out quickly and take advantage of the talent advantages at his disposal. Chip Kelly will scheme up an offense that gets the ball to Emeka Egbuka, Jeremiah Smith, Gee Scott Jr., and more. It won’t be perfect, and it won’t always be pretty, but it will be enough.