Get ready for the Penn State vs Ohio State clash as the No. 1 Buckeyes host the Nittany Lions in a high-stakes Big Ten battle. Check out expert score predictions, MVP picks, and major storylines, including how Julian Sayin’s Heisman campaign could take center stage in this Week 10 matchup.
The stage is set for one of the biggest matchups of the college football weekend. At 12 noon ET, the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes will host the Penn State Nittany Lions in Columbus, and the buzz surrounding this Big Ten showdown is palpable. According to Vegas oddsmakers, Ohio State enters the game as 18.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 44.5 points, suggesting a projected score around 32–12 in favor of the Buckeyes.
As the Buckeyes look to continue their dominant season, the staff at Land-Grant Holy Land shared their predictions for how this matchup might unfold — including final scores, MVP picks, and what storylines could define the game.
Alex Frank: Buckeyes Pull Away Late
Prediction: Ohio State 30, Penn State 14
Game MVP: Jeremiah Smith
Frank believes the Buckeyes will start slow but finish strong, thanks to a breakout performance from freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith. He expects Smith to shine in the second half and create the spark that allows Ohio State to pull away.
Storyline: Ohio State’s defense will frustrate Penn State’s offensive coordinator, making him rethink his approach after a frustrating afternoon in Columbus.
Joey Gertz: A Balanced Offensive Performance
Prediction: Ohio State 31, Penn State 10
Game MVP: Bo Jackson
Gertz predicts this will be the week Ohio State’s run game finally finds its rhythm. He expects Bo Jackson to post 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns, helping the Buckeyes produce their most complete offensive showing of the season.
Storyline: The running game complements the passing attack perfectly, giving OSU fans confidence heading into November.
Justin Golba: Sayin Steps Up His Heisman Case
Prediction: Ohio State 34, Penn State 14
Game MVP: Julian Sayin
Golba sees quarterback Julian Sayin taking another big step in his Heisman campaign. He projects Sayin to throw four touchdowns — each to a different receiver — showcasing his accuracy and versatility.
Storyline: Sayin’s performance cements his place among the Heisman frontrunners and proves Ohio State’s passing game is as dangerous as ever.
Caleb Houser: Buckeyes Lean on Star Receivers
Prediction: Ohio State 34, Penn State 14
Game MVP: Julian Sayin
Houser expects another efficient outing from Sayin, predicting over 325 passing yards and three touchdowns. With Penn State’s defense focusing heavily on Carnell Tate, Houser believes Smith will see increased targets and make key plays.
Storyline: Ohio State’s offensive balance and deep receiver rotation will be too much for Penn State’s secondary to handle.
Connor Lemons: Business as Usual for OSU
Prediction: Ohio State 31, Penn State 13
Game MVP: Julian Sayin
Lemons admits Sayin is the obvious MVP pick, but for good reason. He expects another three-touchdown performance from the Buckeyes’ quarterback.
Storyline: Ohio State maintains focus and avoids a trap game before Michigan, showing maturity and discipline with a comfortable win.
Brett Ludwiczak: Defense Dominates the Day
Prediction: Ohio State 33, Penn State 7
Game MVP: Caden Curry
Ludwiczak anticipates a standout defensive performance led by Caden Curry, who he believes will sack Penn State’s backup quarterback twice.
Storyline: The Buckeyes’ defense once again proves it’s championship-caliber, suffocating Penn State’s offense and making a statement to the rest of the Big Ten.
Gene Ross: Sayin Lights Up the Airwaves
Prediction: Ohio State 31, Penn State 10
Game MVP: Carnell Tate
Ross predicts Penn State will overcommit to stopping Jeremiah Smith, allowing Carnell Tate to have a huge afternoon. He also expects Sayin to throw for over 400 yards and multiple touchdowns.
Storyline: Sayin’s consistent excellence keeps him at the center of the Heisman race, as Ohio State’s offense continues to evolve into one of the nation’s most dangerous.
Matt Tamanini: A Statement Win for the Buckeyes
Prediction: Ohio State 38, Penn State 6
Game MVP: Julian Sayin
Tamanini foresees a dominant showing from Sayin, predicting 315 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an additional 35 yards rushing. He expects Ohio State to unveil new wrinkles in their offense, especially in the RPO game.
Storyline: Both teams come off a bye week, but Ohio State’s creativity and execution shine, while Penn State’s attempts to push the ball downfield result in turnovers.
Ryan Weckstein: Buckeyes Handle Penn State’s Energy
Prediction: Ohio State 38, Penn State 21
Game MVP: Carnell Tate
Weckstein predicts Penn State will treat this like their Super Bowl, coming out aggressive and emotional. Still, Ohio State’s talent will win out, with Tate hauling in eight receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown.
Storyline: The Nittany Lions keep things interesting early, but Ohio State remains composed and pulls away for a comfortable victory.
The Big Picture
Across the board, the Land-Grant Holy Land staff is unified in its belief that Ohio State will stay unbeaten and continue its march toward another Big Ten title. The consensus score range falls between 31–38 points for the Buckeyes and 7–21 points for the Nittany Lions, reflecting confidence in Ohio State’s offense and defense alike.
If these predictions prove true, fans could see another masterful performance from Julian Sayin, whose poise and production have fueled the Buckeyes’ success all season long. And with Heisman chatter growing louder each week, today’s game could be another defining chapter in both Sayin’s and Ohio State’s 2025 campaign.
