Penn State has been in this position before, facing off against their Big Ten rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes, with high hopes of finally breaking through and ending their losing streak. This season, however, may be different, as the Nittany Lions find themselves in a unique position with the introduction of the 12-team playoff system, which has reduced the pressure and increased their chances of reaching the postseason regardless of the outcome on Saturday.

A Chance to Break the Curse

Overcoming the Buckeyes' Dominance

Penn State has been knocking on the door for years, with several undefeated or highly ranked teams falling short against the Buckeyes. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, the Nittany Lions were poised to make a run at the Big Ten title, only to see their hopes dashed by Ohio State. Last season, they were again undefeated and ranked highly, but suffered another loss to their rivals.This year, the Nittany Lions find themselves in a similar position, sitting at 7-0 and ranked No. 3 in the nation. However, the stakes may be a bit different, as the new 12-team playoff system has provided a safety net for Penn State, making them a near-lock to reach the postseason regardless of the outcome against Ohio State.

Quarterback Concerns and Defensive Challenges

The Nittany Lions' path to victory may be complicated by the potential absence of starting quarterback Drew Allar, who suffered a knee injury last week. While backup Beau Pribula played well in the win over Wisconsin, the Buckeyes' second-ranked defense presents a formidable challenge for a sophomore making his first start under center.On the other side of the ball, Penn State's elite defense will be put to the test against Ohio State's high-powered offense. The Nittany Lions' defense has yet to face a top-30 offense and only one top-50 passing attack, which came when 13th-ranked USC put up 30 points and led by two touchdowns.

Coach Franklin's Struggles Against Top Teams

Coach James Franklin's record against top-10 teams at Penn State has been a point of concern, with the Nittany Lions posting a 2-17 mark in such matchups. In contrast, Ohio State's head coach, Ryan Day, has only ever lost twice before the regular-season finale.The Buckeyes' recent struggles against Nebraska last week can be attributed to a letdown from their last-second loss to Oregon, but they will be fully focused and ready for this highly anticipated showdown.

Betting Outlook and Predictions

Despite the Nittany Lions' impressive record and the potential for an upset, the oddsmakers have installed Ohio State as a 3.5-point favorite. This line suggests that the Buckeyes are still the team to beat, and it may be wise to "always buy low with the Buckeyes" in this matchup.While Penn State has the talent and the motivation to finally break through against their rivals, the combination of quarterback concerns, defensive challenges, and Coach Franklin's struggles against top teams may prove too much to overcome. Ohio State's experience, depth, and coaching advantage could be the deciding factors in this highly anticipated clash.