Penn State Football Prediction Roundtable: Nittany Lions at Buckeyes

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 21: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs after making a catch in the first half against Khaleke Hudson #7 and Noah Furbush #59 of the Michigan Wolverines on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Collin Wieder, Co-Site Expert

It’s time to show what Penn State football is made of Saturday in Columbus. After romping past Michigan 42-13 at home, the Nittany Lions must win a College Football Playoff-caliber game at Ohio State. This game has major implications considering the Lions have one more major matchup at Michigan State the following week.

There’s no wild game plan to beat the Buckeyes other than execute exactly how they did last week. On offense, Trace McSorley must keep his hot streak going that includes taking care of the football, making plays off the zone read and hitting passes at an efficient rate. Saquon Barkley will no doubt make multiple huge plays, and they’ll be needed against a strong defense.

Defensively, the Nittany Lions boast one of the nation’s top defenses. If they can frustrate J.T. Barrett early on, he’ll make mistakes. This defense has yet to face a test at their level, so expect some points from the Buckeyes, but Penn State will have the last laugh.

Penn State 27

Ohio State 24

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