Ohio State vs. Penn State: live stream, online viewing, TV channel, kickoff time, prediction, expert picks

No. 3 Ohio State takes on No. 7 Penn State in a top-10 matchup that will shape the Big Ten East and College Football Playoff races.

The highly anticipated matchup between No. 3 Ohio State and No. 7 Penn State will not only shape the Big Ten East standings, but also have implications on the College Football Playoff race. Both teams are undefeated in the conference and are vying for a conference title and a spot in the playoff. This game has become one of the top matchups in the division, and possibly the conference, aside from Ohio State's annual rivalry with Michigan. It's a game that has been marked on the calendar since the Big Ten released its schedule, and both teams have set the stage for this top-10 clash.

Ohio State has had a scare this season with their road win against Notre Dame, where they needed a last-second touchdown to escape with a victory. However, other than that game, they have dominated their opponents, winning by an average of 31 points per game. On the other hand, Penn State has had a relatively easy schedule thus far, winning their six games by an average of 36.3 points. Their closest game was a 17-point road win against Illinois. This game against Ohio State will be their toughest test yet.

There are several key factors to watch in this game. Ohio State's red zone struggles have limited their offensive output. While they are still scoring an impressive 36 points per game, they have not reached the 40-point mark that they have achieved in the past six seasons. Their inability to finish drives and score touchdowns in the red zone has been a concern, as they have only converted on 60.9% of their red zone possessions, below the national average. This could be a problem against a strong Penn State defense.

Speaking of defense, Penn State has been outstanding on that side of the ball. Nearly half of their defensive snaps have resulted in a loss or no gain for their opponents. This is an incredible statistic, as they have stopped their opponents on 46.4% of their plays. The national average is 33.6%. With a defense like this, it will be difficult for Ohio State to put up big numbers.

History is not on Penn State's side in this matchup. They have lost 14 straight road games against AP top-five opponents, with their last win coming in 1994 against No. 5 Michigan. Eight of those losses have come against Ohio State, and they have lost six straight games in this series. Making matters worse, three of those losses came when both teams were ranked in the top 10. Penn State will have to overcome these trends to come out with a win.

In terms of predictions, the experts are divided. The spread favors Ohio State by 4.5 points, but some experts believe Penn State will cover the spread. However, the general consensus is that this will be a close, low-scoring game, with both defenses playing a key role. If there's one thing to bet on, it's the under. The projected total points is set at 45.5. Ultimately, this game will provide valuable insights into both teams and their playoff aspirations.

In conclusion, the Ohio State vs. Penn State matchup is a highly anticipated game that will have significant implications on the Big Ten East standings and the College Football Playoff race. Both teams are undefeated and are looking to secure a conference title and a playoff spot. Ohio State has had a scare this season, while Penn State has cruised through their schedule. However, history is not on Penn State's side in this matchup. The game is expected to be a close, low-scoring contest, with both defenses playing a crucial role. This game will provide valuable insights into both teams and their playoff aspirations.

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