No. 7 Penn State (6-0, 3-0) at No. 3 Ohio State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten), Saturday, noon ET (FOX)
Line: Ohio State by 4 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Ohio State leads 23-14.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
The Top 10 matchup is huge for both of the unbeaten College Football Playoff hopefuls. A loss wouldn't necessarily eliminate either one from the national championship picture, but it would make the road more difficult. Both teams still have to play No. 2 Michigan in the stretch run, and if one of the three doesn't win out, the Big Ten East could come down to tie-breakers. But that's down the road. The Nittany Lions have rolled over every opponent but haven't had a serious test. The Buckeyes have big wins over Notre Dame and Maryland but on Saturday will run into Penn State's top-ranked defense. Ohio State has been the victor in the annual rivalry for six straight seasons. The last time Buckeyes lost was 2016 at State College.
KEY MATCHUP
Ohio State passing game vs. Penn State defense. Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord looks more comfortable every week, and he's throwing to the best receiver in the nation in Marvin Harrison Jr., who was his high school teammate in Philadelphia. Ohio State averages over 300 passing yards per game, while Penn State allows just 121.2.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Penn State: QB Drew Allar is a first-time starter after the departure of six-year player Sean Clifford. The native Ohioan is completing 65.2% of his passes and averaging 209 passing yards per game.
Ohio State: Harrison has 100 receiving yards in all but one game this season. In the past two, against Maryland and Purdue, the third-year receiver has 14 catches for 268 yards and two touchdowns.
FACTS & FIGURES
The two teams are meeting for the 22nd time when both are ranked in the AP Top 25. ... Ohio State outlasted the Nittany Lions 44-31 last season at Beaver Stadium. ... The matchup will feature two of the nation’s top defenses. Penn State leads the nation in total defense, Ohio State is ranked No. 7. ... Penn State has won 11 straight games dating back to last season, all by at least 14 points. ... TE Cade Stover had two touchdown catches last week in Ohio State's 41-7 win over Purdue. ... The Buckeyes piled up 486 yards against the Boilermakers, including 276 passing yards by quarterback Kyle McCord. ... Penn State has not allowed a first-drive touchdown in the last 20 games, dating back to the Michigan State game in 2021. ... Penn State has a streak of 15 straight games with at least five tackles for a loss. ... The Buckeyes are hurting in the offensive backfield, with TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams out with injuries last week, and Chip Trayanum leaving the game after he got hurt. Coach Ryan Day said there's a chance all could be back this week. ... RB Dallan Hayden carried the load last week, rushing 11 times for 76 yards and a TD. ... Penn State second-year QB Drew Allar is completing more than 65% of his passes in his first year as a starter. The Medina, Ohio, native followed four-year starter Sean Clifford at Penn State.
___
AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football. Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
