Penn State Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Ohio State in Week 9

Penn State football faces Ohio State in its 2020 home opener after a tough loss at Indiana last Saturday. Can the Nittany Lions spring an upset?

The Nittany Lions return to Beaver Stadium Saturday night, attempting to move past their loss against the Indiana Hoosiers last week. This week’s matchup against the Buckeyes appeared to be a battle of two top 10 teams, but Penn State’s loss changes the dynamic somewhat.

The last four games where the Buckeyes met the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium, the games were the annual White Out game. The atmosphere has always given Penn State a little bit of an edge. This season will be different with no fans in attendance which will surely work in Ohio State’s favor.

With the Lions looking to avoid their first 0-2 start since the 2012 season, this should be an interesting contest. Here are three bold predictions for the Saturday night showdown.

3. One of Penn State’s freshman backs runs for 100 yards

Early in the week leading up to the Indiana game, Penn State was dealt a blow when it was announced starting running back Journey Brown could miss the season due to a medical condition. Then on the first drive of the Indiana game, running back Noah Cain went down with what later was revealed to be a season ending leg injury.

Before losing their top two running backs, the Lions had one of the most loaded backfields in the country. Now their depth at the position will be tested. Sophomore Devyn Ford looks to get the bulk share of the carries. The two freshmen behind him will now step into larger roles.

Both Keyvone Lee and Caziah Holmes saw action against Indiana after Cain went down to injury. They combined for 11 carries for 51 yards. Nothing too fancy but both showed promise.

With the Ohio State defense still trying to find its footing after needing to replace several key players from last year’s team, the freshmen will capitalize. Either Lee or Holmes eclipses 100 yards, including one run of over 50 yards.