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Ohio State Football: Preview, predictions, live stream vs. Penn State

By Trevor Jossart

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 22: Grant Haley #15 of the Penn State Nittany Lions returns a field goal block 60 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 22, 2016 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 22: Grant Haley #15 of the Penn State Nittany Lions returns a field goal block 60 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 22, 2016 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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In a battle of two Big Ten juggernauts, Ohio State football will host Penn State in a critical top ten matchup.

The newest venue of College Gameday involves the same team as last week’s destination, only this time at a new location. The Penn State Nittany Lions, fresh off their under-the-lights win over Michigan, will have no break in tough tests as they visit Columbus on Saturday to face the No. 6 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.

Both teams sit as undefeated in Big Ten play and are looking for a victory to give themselves a leg up in the tight East division race. The conference only boasts four teams with winning conference records, but of those four teams- all are undefeated in conference play, three of which (Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State) reside in the same division.

The Buckeyes will be looking for a bit of revenge after a wild turn of events in last year’s meeting propelled the Nittany Lions to the stunning victory. Penn State did not lose the rest of the regular season and went on to win the Big Ten title and earn a trip to the Rose Bowl. Before last year’s game, the Buckeyes had won four straight meetings and currently lead 17-14 all time in the series.

Here’s how to watch Saturday’s Ohio State vs. Penn State game:

Date: Saturday, October 28
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, OH
Venue: Ohio Stadium
TV: FOX
Live Stream: FOX Sports GO

Keys to Victory

Ohio State has been clicking on almost all cylinders since their home loss to Oklahoma earlier this season. Due to the lack of quality opponents over that stretch, the Buckeyes have been able to get away with some major flaws and holes in their team, specifically in special teams.

Having endured missed kicks and blocked punts, the Buckeyes must perform well in this area to reduce the amount of big play opportunities for the Lions. The little things as in solid punts and made extra points will mean more than people think in this matchup.

For Penn State, they have been sound in all facets of the game so far this season. Quarterback Trace McSorley, along with Barkley, have been the most dynamic one-two punch in all of college football this season.

Surprisingly, or maybe not, the Nittany Lions’ defense has been stellar as well. Penn State’s offense will need the defense to come up big against JT Barrett and the spread offense in order to keep the crowd noise reduced as much as possible and give themselves decent field position throughout the game.

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Prediction

The college football world is in for an instant classic on Saturday as two powerhouses square off on the gridiron. With two Heisman frontrunners in Penn State’s Barkley and Ohio State’s Barrett, expect a lot of big plays and high-pressure moments. The Buckeyes’s offense has been playing well as of late and with the Nittany Lions having yet to play a major real test, Barrett and company will come out sharp and ready to play. A late score by the Buckeyes will prove to be the difference and know the Nittany Lions from the ranks of the unbeaten.

Final score: Ohio State 28, Penn State 24

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