This game is a bit of discovery time for both Penn State and Ohio State, as we don’t have a great idea of where either team’s season is going.
How to watch Penn State vs. Ohio State on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
Time for the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions to learn more about themselves.
Penn State came into the season as a sleeper in the Big Ten East in James Franklin’s second year in State College, but immediately, that talk came to a halt. In an upset loss to Temple, the Nittany Lions gave up 10 sacks, and the hype disappeared. Despite not playing all that well, PSU is now 5-1, but that’s more of a comment on the schedule than it is on the strength of this team. The offense has been inconsistent, even in the passing game, where quarterback Christian Hackenberg was expected to make a big jump this season. We’ll find out more against Ohio State.
However, the Buckeyes have their own issues. While the defense has been very good this year, the offense hasn’t picked up where it left off. OSU struggled against Indiana, and even Maryland for a bit, after playing Northern Illinois close in non-conference season. Cardale Jones looks like he will remain the starting quarterback, but OSU might have found something with J.T. Barrett as its red zone quarterback. If the Buckeyes are to be College Football Playoff contenders this year, there’s no time like the present to start performing.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC
Radio: Ohio State, Penn State
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Ohio State is favored by 17 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Land-Grant Holy Land for Ohio State fans and Black Shoe Diaries for Penn State fans.
Three big things to know
1. Can Ohio State’s offense find it’s rhythm? That’s going to be a tough task against a solid Penn State defense, but the Buckeyes need to get in sync, even if that means using Jones as the main quarterback and Barrett as the red zone quarterback.
2. Can Hackenberg and the Penn State offense do anything against the Ohio State defense? They haven’t inspired much confidence to date.
3. What happens if Ohio State does cover the spread? Does the pressure increase on James Franklin?
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