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No. 3 Penn State faces No. 4 Ohio State in a Week 10 showdown. Both teams have NFL talent and elite defenses, making this a must-watch matchup.
Penn State vs. Ohio State: Key Matchup Analysis
Penn State’s defense is one of the stingiest in the nation, allowing only 30 second-half points over seven games and excelling in both total yards and points allowed. Under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, Penn State’s offense has seen significant improvement, combining innovative play-calling with high red-zone efficiency. Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback Will Howard, tops the Big Ten with 40.3 points per game and 471.9 total yards per game, showcasing a balanced attack that will put Penn State’s defense to the test.
This top-10 clash also features numerous NFL Draft prospects, making it a must-watch game for scouts evaluating future stars on both sides of the ball.
Top NFL Draft Prospects: Penn State vs. Ohio State Matchup
This top-10 clash also features numerous NFL Draft prospects, making it a must-watch game for scouts evaluating future stars on both sides of the ball.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Offensive Overview:
Ohio State’s offense ranks among the nation’s best, boasting 472.0 yards per game (7th) and a 0.621 points-per-play efficiency (3rd). Led by QB Will Howard, who excels in deep passing with 1,795 yards, 17 TDs, and a 183.9 QBR, the Buckeyes’ passing game helps set up their formidable rushing attack. With standout WR Jeremiah Smith, who has tallied 623 receiving yards and 8 TDs. WR Emeka Egbuka’s precise route-running and run-after-catch ability further pressures Penn State’s secondary, creating opportunities for Ohio State’s rushing duo of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. With Henderson averaging 7.2 yards per carry and Judkins delivering power between the tackles, the Buckeyes can maintain offensive balance and sustain drives. Their elite red-zone efficiency (100%, 1st) underscores Ohio State’s multifaceted scoring potential.
Will Howard, QB
Status: Active
Season Stats: 74.0% completion rate, 1,795 yards, 17 TDs, 4 INTs, 183.9 QBR
Impact in This Game: Howard’s accuracy and decision-making are pivotal, especially against Penn State’s defensive pressure. His connection with Egbuka will be essential for sustaining drives and moving the ball downfield.
Quinshon Judkins, RB
Status: Active
Season Stats: 520 rushing yards, 6.4 yards per carry, 6 TDs
Impact in This Game: Judkins’ powerful running complements Ohio State’s ground game, helping to control the clock and wear down Penn State’s defense with his yards-after-contact ability.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB
Status: Active
Season Stats: 449 rushing yards, 7.2 yards per carry, 4 TDs
Impact in This Game: Henderson’s speed adds explosiveness to the Buckeyes’ run game, enabling him to create big plays that will stretch Penn State’s defense.
Emeka Egbuka, WR
Status: Active
Season Stats: 43 receptions, 546 yards, 6 TDs, 12.7 yards per catch
Impact in This Game: Egbuka’s route-running precision and run-after-catch ability make him a reliable option in the passing game, helping sustain Ohio State’s drives and creating scoring opportunities.
Defensive Overview:
Ohio State’s defense is a major force, allowing only 11.9 points per game (2nd) and stifling opponents’ rushing attempts to 92.0 yards per game (4th). DE JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer form a formidable edge-rushing duo, ranking among the best in sacks, with a team sack rate of 9.71% (11th). CB Denzel Burke leads the secondary with lockdown coverage, crucial in neutralizing Penn State’s deep threats. The Buckeyes’ ability to pressure Penn State’s quarterback and force turnovers will be a game-defining factor.
JT Tuimoloau, DE
Status: Active
Season Stats: 18 tackles, 4 sacks, 7 tackles for loss
Impact in This Game: Tuimoloau’s edge presence will be crucial in containing Penn State’s backfield and pressuring the quarterback, potentially forcing Penn State into quick, low-yardage plays.
Jack Sawyer, DE
Status: Active
Season Stats: 18 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss
Impact in This Game: Sawyer’s strength and pursuit on the opposite edge enhance Ohio State’s pass-rushing capabilities, limiting Penn State’s downfield options and tightening the Buckeyes’ defensive coverage.
Denzel Burke, CB
Status: Active
Season Stats: 20 tackles, 2 INTs, 31 return yards
Impact in This Game: Burke’s coverage skills will be vital in neutralizing Penn State’s receivers, as his physicality and ball skills can help force turnovers or incomplete passes.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Offensive Overview:
Penn State’s balanced attack ranks 11th in total yards (463.7 per game) and 5th in third-down conversion rate (50%). The Nittany Lions combine a strong run game, led by RB Nick Singleton, who averages 6.4 yards per carry, with an explosive downfield passing game behind QB Drew Allar. With a 71.3% completion rate and 1,640 yards, Allar’s play will be crucial—should he play—especially in keeping Ohio State’s pass rush in check. TE Tyler Warren is a versatile contributor in both blocking and short-yardage situations, adding reliable red-zone capabilities. Penn State’s play-calling under Andy Kotelnicki emphasizes balance and creativity, vital in challenging Ohio State’s defense.
Drew Allar, QB
Status: Game-time decision (knee)
Season Stats: 71.3% completion rate, 1,640 yards, 12 TDs, 4 INTs, 174.6 QBR
Impact in This Game: Allar’s poise and downfield accuracy will be pivotal if he plays, helping keep Ohio State’s pass rush in check. If Allar is unavailable, backup Beau Pribula’s inexperience may prompt a more conservative game plan focused on rushing.
Nick Singleton, RB
Status: Active
Season Stats: 483 rushing yards, 6.4 yards per carry, 3 TDs
Impact in This Game: Singleton’s explosiveness and ability to gain yards after contact will be key in establishing the run, maintaining offensive balance, and controlling the clock.
Tyler Warren, TE
Status: Active
Season Stats: 47 receptions, 559 yards, 4 TDs, 11.9 yards per catch
Impact in This Game: Warren’s role as a blocker and red-zone target is critical against Ohio State’s edge rushers. His ability to convert short-yardage opportunities can help sustain Penn State’s drives.
Defensive Overview:
Penn State’s defense ranks among the most dominant, allowing only 14.3 points per game (7th) and 93.1 rushing yards (6th). EDGE Abdul Carter, with 4 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss, leads a strong front seven that excels in both pass rush and coverage support. Dani Dennis-Sutton and S Jaylen Reed further bolster a defense that thrives on limiting big plays and enforcing a low opponent completion rate (57.28%, 28th). Penn State’s defensive pressure on Ohio State’s QB Will Howard and coverage against Egbuka will be key to containing the Buckeyes’ explosive plays.
Abdul Carter, EDGE
Status: Active
Season Stats: 22 tackles, 4 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss
Impact in This Game: Carter’s speed and explosiveness off the edge will be essential in pressuring Ohio State’s quarterback and limiting their passing efficiency.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE
Status: Active
Season Stats: 12 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 tackles for loss
Impact in This Game: Dennis-Sutton’s complementary pass rush adds depth to Penn State’s defense, challenging Ohio State’s offensive line and disrupting their passing rhythm.
Jaylen Reed, S
Status: Active
Season Stats: 36 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INTs, 41 return yards
Impact in This Game: Reed’s instincts and playmaking ability will be essential in containing Ohio State’s deep threats and supporting run defense.
Game Outlook
Ohio State’s explosive offense, which averages 472.0 yards per game (7th) and scores at an elite rate of 0.621 points per play (3rd), faces its toughest defensive challenge yet against Penn State. To control the pace, Ohio State will look to establish its run game, led by Quinshon Judkins (520 yards, 6.4 yards per carry) and TreVeyon Henderson (449 yards, 7.2 yards per carry). Success on the ground will allow QB Will Howard, who averages 9.6 yards per pass (6th) and holds a 74.0% completion rate, to find gaps in Penn State’s secondary. However, Penn State’s defense ranks 4th nationally in opponent yards per game (267.7) and is holding offenses to just 93.1 rushing yards (7th) – making it critical for Ohio State to stay balanced and capitalize on early down opportunities to avoid third-and-long situations.
Meanwhile, Penn State’s balanced offense, ranking 11th nationally in total yards (463.7 per game) with a 50% third-down conversion rate (5th), will need a strong ground game to keep Ohio State’s aggressive defense at bay. Running back Nick Singleton, averaging 6.4 yards per carry, will be a key figure in Penn State’s effort to sustain drives and open up play-action opportunities for QB Drew Allar, who boasts a 71.3% completion rate and ranks 4th in yards per pass (9.9).
For Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, preparing for the complex schemes of Penn State’s OC Andy Kotelnicki will require a disciplined approach. Kotelnicki’s red-zone efficiency (93.3%, 18th) and creativity in balancing the pass and run will challenge Ohio State’s top-10 defensive metrics, including a 9.71% sack rate (11th). Knowles will need to anticipate Kotelnicki’s moves, particularly in Penn State’s red-zone schemes, where TE Tyler Warren’s versatility (559 yards, 4 TDs) could present matchup issues for Ohio State’s linebackers.
Ultimately, this showdown could be decided by which team can establish the run and force their opponent into a one-dimensional game. With Big Ten standings and playoff stakes on the line, each coordinator’s adjustments and the ability to pressure the quarterback at key moments will likely shape the outcome.