Ohio State Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2018

This will be the Buckeyes biggest test to date as they travel to central Pennsylvania to take on Penn State. Two years ago, the Buckeyes fell victims to Penn State’s White Out which kick-started the Nittany Lion’s run to the Big Ten title. The Lions have another White Out planned for this year and hope history repeats itself.

Gone is once in a generation type talent Saquon Barkley but the Nittany Lions still have plenty of weapons on offense. Quarterback Trace McSorley is back for his final season, considered to be not just one of the best in the conference but also the country. Miles Sanders takes over for Barkley at running back. While he is no Barkley, the former five-star recruit should fill in nicely and there is plenty of talent at wide receiver. Penn State should have one of its best offensive lines in years. There are holes to fill on defense, but James Franklin has been recruiting well and stocking it with talent.

This will be an extremely tough test for the Buckeyes. On paper, Ohio State has the advantage talent wise. The Buckeyes rushing attack will get their yards against a Penn State defense still trying to find its footing early in the season. However, McSorley has been a winner his entire career. With visions of a late loss in Columbus last season, he will lead the Lions on a last minute drive to extract revenge. Ohio State takes their first loss of the season and has a slight setback in the conference race late in late September.

Final: Ohio State 24, Penn State 27 (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten)