Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (7-0)
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions November 2 2024 – As the teams prepare for what is set to be one of the toughest matchups of the NCAAF season so far, the Ohio State Buckeyes, who have a very good record of 6-1, go up against the undefeated Penn State Nittany Lions in a Week 10 clash that could be key in the race for the Big Ten title. Continue reading to find out our NCAAF expert free predictions for such a fascinating encounter.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions November 2 2024 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Beaver Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Ohio State | -165 | -3.5 (-110) | Over 45.5 (-105) |
| Penn State | +140 | +3.5 (-110) | Under 45.5 (-115) |
This pivotal matchup sees Ohio State favored to win, albeit slightly, given the tight spread of -3.5. Betting enthusiasts will note that the Buckeyes’ recent games have largely trended under the total, which aligns closely with the defensive strengths both teams have shown. This could very well turn into a tactical battle, where managing game tempo and field position becomes crucial.
Will Howard QB vs. Beau Pribula QB
Ohio State has seen great contributions from Will Howard this season, throwing for just short of 1800 yards and completing 74% of his passes. His ability to throw the ball deep and connect has altered his game for the better with 17 touchdowns against only 4 interceptions. He will also need to stay calm under pressure against a Nittany Lions pass defense that poses quite a threat which he surely will face in the game.
For Penn State, Beau Pribula may not have been able to dominate Howard statistically, but he brings a complete different skill set to the game. Pribula has achieved a staggering 78.3% completion percentage and a passer rating of 185.7 which shows just how efficient he is with the ball while at the same time not performing too much risk that the ball don’t give him critical plays to keep his team undefeated. He will have to achieve this against a Buckeye defense that has its fair share of weaknesses but is still formidable.
Buckeye Power: Rushing and Receiving Core
The Buckeyes do not depend only on the passes, especially with Quinshon Judkins force on the ground, boasting an average of 6.4 yards per carry and six touchdowns. In addition, his effectiveness in the ground game and how easily he breaks tackles will be another threat that Penn State has to deal with. The shining capability of Jeremiah Smith, who has 623 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, underlines the fact that the Buckeyes are equipped to deal with any defensive error, exhibiting the effectiveness of their multi-faceted strategy.
Nittany Lion’s Ground and Air Attack
Ohio state tackles back with Kaytron Allen who has had a fair share of carries this season racking up over 500 rushing yards. His normal runs will be crucial in ensuring the clock a little while controlling the offense of Ohio State. Also, as a dependable tight end, it has not been uncommon for Tyler Warren to record 559 receiving yards and become a critical asset when Third Down Conversions become critical. These Allen-Warren connections will be vital for keeping drives alive and converting chances into points..
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends
The Buckeyes have had mixed results against the spread, going 3-6 in their last nine games, which might raise concerns for bettors leaning on them to cover. However, their outright record is strong, and their road game prowess (17-3 SU in their last 20 road games) suggests resilience in challenging environments.
Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Trends
Despite a perfect season start, Penn State has struggled against the spread in recent games (2-4 ATS in their last six). However, their home record remains unblemished, with a 5-0 streak in Beaver Stadium. Their ability to perform under home crowd pressure could sway decisions for cautious bettors.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Previews
As game day nears, the tactical aspects of the two teams suggest there will be a well-fought contest. Ohio State’s powerful offense will prove a challenge to Penn State’s well-structured defense and vice-versa. Looking at such trends, it would be wise to place your bets on the total points going under the set limit since both teams have defensive prowess.
For punters, the moneyline looks better on Ohio State, considering their performance till now and the previous meetings between the two. The spread however is a more tricky bet with Penn State’s home ground perhaps being a crucial factor here. Prop bets regarding the game could be best suited for individual player contributions and focus on the main quarterbacks and prominent receivers here. It is likely that only a few key moments will decide the outcome of this game, and as such, it is sure to be a great betting day at Major USA Betting Websites.
Score Prediction: Ohio State Buckeyes 24, Penn State Nittany Lions 21.
