Penn State Football 2021 game-by-game predictions

Jul 22, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin speaks to the media during Big 10 media days at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 22, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin speaks to the media during Big 10 media days at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Head Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes  (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Head Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes  (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Week 8: Penn State Football @Ohio State

If the season follows these predictions, this game will likely decide who represents the East in the Big Ten Championship.

Ohio State lost star quarterback Justin Fields, but new starter C.J. Stroud was a highly touted recruit and has tons of potential.

Stroud’s job will be made easier because both Chis Olave and Garrett Wilson are back for another season with the Buckeyes, add in the talent pool behind them, and this is the best receiver group in the country. The Ohio State offensive line is also expected to be one of the best in the conference. If there’s downside to this offense, it’s that the running backs are young, but incredibly talented.

Ohio State is a little less experience on defense than offense, particularly at linebacker, but at the clip they are recruiting, the talent fills the voids rather quickly. With this being game eight, the Ohio State defense should be settled in nicely. Big defensive tackle Garrett Haskell anchors what should be a great defensive line for the Buckeyes.

Penn State has played Ohio State incredibly well compared to other Big Ten schools since Franklin arrived in Happy Valley. With a trip to the championship game on the line, I expect that to continue, just not well enough to pull out a win.

Ohio State 35, Penn State Football 24

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