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COLUMBUS, Ohio - The contest doesn’t have the sparkle that it did before James Franklin was fired as Penn State’s coach, but the Ohio State football team will look to continue its march to the Big Ten Championship game today when it takes on the Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon, and the game will be shown on Fox. The Buckeyes will see a familiar face across the field, as Jim Knowles -- the defensive coordinator on last year’s OSU national championship team -- is in his first season in the same position with the Nittany Lions. New OSU coordinator Matt Patricia has guided the defense to two shutouts, and opponents have scored only four touchdowns against the Buckeyes this season. Latest Ohio State Buckeyes news Did Penn State’s non-conference schedule hurt the Nittany Lions’ defense? Penn State collapsed after its loss vs. Oregon. What does that say about the program’s culture? Why Ryan Day Has Extra Motivation Against Penn State Which recruits are visiting for Ohio State vs. Penn State? “Like any relationship, when it breaks off, sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad,” coach Ryan Day said of Knowles. “But there really hasn’t been much communication. He did a great job when he was here, helped us win a national championship and kind of left it at that.” Penn State has lost four straight games, including 30-24 in double overtime against Oregon on Sept. 27. Two weeks later, Franklin was gone. Both teams are coming off a bye. No. 1 Ohio State (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) vs. Penn State (3-4, 0-4 Big Ten) Kickoff: Today, noon EDT, Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio. TV: Fox. Odds: OSU was listed as a 19.5-point favorite by major sports books Friday. The over/under was listed at 44.5. Here’s a look at some highlights from cleveland.com’s coverage leading up to the game: Fast Fall: Jimmy Watkins highlights the dramatic fall of Penn State coach James Franklin, revealing his consistent struggles against Ohio State and Ryan Day. The reporter details how Franklin’s inability to beat Day, despite having talented rosters, ultimately led to his dismissal. Nick Saban criticized the firing, arguing that Franklin’s achievements should be celebrated. Watkins notes that Franklin finished with a poor record against top-ranked teams, particularly against Ohio State, which handed him nine of his 21 top-10 losses. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2025/10/ohio-state-coach-ryan-days-final-evolution-highlighted-by-james-franklins-firing-jimmy-watkins.html OSU Hype Video: Andrew Gillis reports on Ohio State’s latest Gameday Trailer series, Volume 8, which focuses on the upcoming Penn State matchup. The video, titled “For The Brotherhood,” features motivational speeches from former Buckeyes like J.T. Barrett and Dwayne Haskins. The trailer includes insights from current Ohio State coaches Keenan Bailey and Larry Johnson, emphasizing team unity and competitive spirit. Gillis notes that the Buckeyes are 20.5-point favorites against Penn State in their upcoming game. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/10/watch-ohio-states-hype-video-for-game-8-vs-penn-state.html Penn State Quarterback: Stephen Means explores the challenging situation facing Penn State’s new quarterback, Ethan Grunkemeyer, ahead of the Ohio State game. With Drew Allar suffering a season-ending injury, Grunkemeyer steps into a high-pressure scenario after a difficult debut against Iowa. Means and his colleagues provide “outrageous predictions” about Grunkemeyer’s potential performance, highlighting the quarterback’s inexperience and the daunting task of facing a formidable Ohio State team. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/10/penn-state-has-a-new-quarterback-and-he-might-be-in-trouble-against-ohio-state-on-saturday-outrageous-predictions.html Nick Mangold Legacy: Stefan Krajisnik writes a tribute to Nick Mangold, the former Ohio State center who recently passed away at 41. The reporter highlights Mangold’s exceptional character, detailing how he prioritized team commitment even during his college years. Krajisnik explores Mangold’s impact beyond football, showcasing his dedication to family and community after his playing career. Former coach Jim Tressel provides intimate insights into Mangold’s character, describing him as a perfect role model who did “everything right.” Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/10/why-nick-mangolds-legacy-at-ohio-state-extends-beyond-accolades-he-was-a-great-role-model.html Trap Game?: Stefan Krajisnik analyzes the potential “trap game” scenario for Ohio State against Penn State. The reporter examines the game’s shifting dynamics, noting that while it was once expected to be a marquee matchup, Penn State’s recent struggles have changed the narrative. Krajisnik discusses Ryan Day’s perspective, highlighting that despite Penn State’s challenges, the team still possesses significant talent. The article also explores potential coaching changes and the broader implications for the Big Ten conference. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/10/has-ohio-state-vs-penn-state-football-turned-into-a-trap-game-for-the-buckeyes-hey-stefan.html Fitting in fast: Matt Patricia has transformed the narrative surrounding his hiring as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, proving to be a “home run” hire for Ryan Day and the team. Stefan Krajisnik highlights how Patricia has become a players’ first coach, creating an open and supportive environment that has resonated with players across the depth chart. The former NFL coach has changed perceptions by building strong relationships with players like Caleb Downs and Kenyatta Jackson, offering personal attention and strategic guidance. His approach has helped maintain Ohio State’s defensive excellence following Jim Knowles’ departure, earning respect from players and coaches alike. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/10/how-ohio-states-matt-patricia-turned-out-to-be-the-home-run-hire-ryan-day-and-his-players-needed.html Familiar Face for Buckeyes: Stefan Krajisnik explores the departure of Jim Knowles from Ohio State to Penn State, providing insights into the abrupt coaching transition. Ryan Day reflects on Knowles’ exit, describing it as an unexpected move that mirrors emerging trends in college football coaching dynamics. Day emphasizes respect for Knowles’ contributions while highlighting the successful replacement of Matt Patricia, who has maintained Ohio State’s defensive excellence. The article provides context about the search for a new defensive coordinator and the importance of maintaining strong coaching staff relationships. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/10/ryan-day-dives-into-jim-knowles-abrupt-departure-ahead-of-coordinators-return-to-ohio-state.html Penn State’s Challenges: Penn State faces a challenging matchup against Ohio State with a struggling 3-4 record and recently fired head coach. Stephen Means highlights the Nittany Lions’ key players who could potentially disrupt Ohio State’s impressive season, including quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and veteran running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Means reports that despite Penn State’s difficulties, they still possess individual talent that could make the game interesting. The team hopes to prevent a fifth-straight Big Ten regular-season loss and will rely on defensive standouts like A.J. Harris and defensive linemen Zane Durant and Dani Dennis-Sutton to challenge the Buckeyes. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/10/penn-states-season-has-fallen-apart-but-these-7-players-could-still-give-ohio-state-trouble-this-weekend.html What Sophomore Slump?: Andrew Gillis highlights Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith’s continued success in his sophomore season, defying expectations of a potential slump. Smith has maintained his impressive form with 49 catches, 602 yards, and seven touchdowns this season. Gillis notes that Penn State’s interim coach Terry Smith acknowledges Smith’s exceptional skills, expressing hope that he would experience a sophomore slump but recognizing his talent. The article also includes brief Ohio State basketball recruiting news. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/10/ohio-state-receiver-jeremiah-smith-hasnt-suffered-sophomore-slump-to-dismay-of-penn-state-buckeyes-breakfast.html College Football Playoff Rankings Prediction: Stefan Krajisnik offers a detailed prediction of the first College Football Playoff rankings, with Indiana and Ohio State expected to be at the top. The analysis suggests the SEC could have the most teams in the playoff, with the Big Ten potentially placing two teams in the top positions. Krajisnik breaks down the potential rankings and playoff bracket, discussing factors that could influence the selection process. The article provides insights into how teams like Ohio State might be positioned in the initial rankings. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/10/predicting-the-first-college-football-playoff-rankings-where-will-ohio-state-be-in-the-bracket.html
