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Around this time last month, a Penn State-Ohio State matchup would have been touted as a Game of the Year contender with heavy playoff and championship implications. Weeks later, the Penn State Nittany Lions’ 2025 campaign has become a free fall as they travel to Columbus to face the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes with an interim head coach and an eye toward the future. Still, those on the field have had this game circled, and won’t back down easily at a chance to compete with one of the top teams in the country. As the game draws closer, anticipation builds, and sportsbooks are ready to capitalize. There are already numerous betting markets available across the top sportsbooks for those looking to wager on the game. Oddsmakers favor Ohio State by 19.5 to 20 points across the top Pennsylvania sportsbooks. The over/under is between 44.5 and 45 points. Penn State vs. Ohio State predictions and best bets Under 45 Points: -110 at Fanatics Ohio State ML & Under 48.5 points: -139 at BetMGM Kaytron Allen Over 45.5 Rushing Yards: -130 at Fanatics The Nittany Lions’ defense features many of the same players from last season, and although this season has gone downhill, I expect plenty of motivation to compete with the No. 1 team in the country. Last season’s game was a 20-13 battle. It should be low scoring again, even if the gap is wider this time around. For similar reasons, I like the value of combining Ohio State’s moneyline and an additional 3.5 points on the total for good value with BetMGM. The Buckeyes may struggle, but they will likely control this game. The Nittany Lions should be aware that if they’re going to compete in this game, it’ll be a grudge match won in the trenches. I expect them to rely on the rushing duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, with Allen getting a larger workload. He’s gone over this total in six of seven games, and I expect him to do it again today. Penn State vs. Ohio State moneyline analysis Why Ohio State could win as the favorite Best odds: -1350 at DraftKings FanDuel Sportsbook gives Ohio State the best chance of victory, offering a moneyline of -1500, with DraftKings offering the best value to bettors at -1350. The Buckeyes’ offense is balanced through the air and on the ground. That includes different contributors from each unit who add layers to the attack. Wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are probably the most talented receiving duo in the country, while the Buckeyes have found success rushing with a variety of different backs. That makes the job easy on quarterback Julian Sayin, who has done well to throw for 1,872 yards and 19 touchdowns. He possesses the highest quarterback rating (189.7) among qualified FBS passers. The Ohio State defense is probably the most impressive unit in football. The team has allowed 5.9 points per game, easily leading the country. On top of that, the team allows the fewest yards per game. The Nittany Lions’ struggling offense will have a difficult time changing pace Saturday. History is also on the Buckeyes’ side in this matchup. Ohio State has not lost to Penn State with Ryan Day as head coach and has won the last eight games outright. Why Penn State could win as the underdog Best odds: +870 at FanDuel Caesars Sportsbook gives Penn State the best chance to win with a moneyline of +245, while FanDuel provides the best value at +260. After four straight losses, there is no dancing around the obvious. The 2025 campaign has been a disaster for Penn State. However, the team still has plenty of talent throughout the roster to compete with any team in the country. As countless jobs across the country open up, we’ve seen teams featuring coaching candidates stumble through recent weeks. While Ryan Day isn’t going anywhere, OSU offensive coordinator Brian Hartline has been mentioned on numerous occasions. We could see this Buckeyes offense struggle if there is any smoke on Hartline as a potential candidate for Penn State or elsewhere. He currently has the third-highest probability in Kalshi’s latest odds to be the Nittany Lions’ next head coach. Penn State will need its rushing attack to continue dominating if it wants to pull off the upset. Kaytron Allen totaled 145 yards on the ground against Iowa’s defense, which hasn’t allowed that much to any other team this season. The senior back should be a centerpiece for the game plan against this stout Buckeyes front seven.
