Ohio State Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2019 season

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 08: Acting head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 08: Acting head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 10: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Beaver Stadium on November 10, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 10: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Beaver Stadium on November 10, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

This matchup has been the biggest game of the regular season for the last two seasons, and while it may be unseated in 2019, it will still be a massive part of the college football calendar. Not only was this game the catalyst for Penn State’s re-emergence a few short years ago, but it has been a de facto Big Ten East title game as well.

However, both teams must now undergo change. Much like Ohio State, the Nittany Lions will have a new starting quarterback this season. By this point, late in November, both passers will likely have come into their own.

Sean Clifford, a redshirt sophomore, threw for two touchdowns on seven attempts last year. He’s still a largely unknown commodity, but the four star recruiting ranking suggests that the talent is there.

Prediction: Win (10-1, 7-1)

These teams face similar challenges in reloading at key positions, but the Buckeyes have the slight edge when it comes to experience at key spots. This has become one of the marquee matchups in the sport, and the pressure to perform will be amplified. The more experienced Buckeyes will get the job done at home.