The undefeated No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes look to keep rolling as they host a reeling Penn State Nittany Lions squad that has suffered four consecutive defeats.
What looked like one of the top games of the year in the preseason has since been diminished by Penn State’s poor recent play, but the field will still be littered with NFL talent for two star-studded rosters.
See why my Penn State vs. Ohio State predictions and college football picks are betting on a low-scoring game on Saturday, November 1.
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Penn State vs Ohio State prediction
Penn State vs Ohio State best bet: Under 44.5 (-110)
Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer is put in an unenviable position. The Penn State Nittany Lions QB is making his second career start in Columbus against the top-ranked team in the country.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been playing at another level defensively, surrendering just 5.9 points per game while holding six consecutive opponents below 300 total yards and an average of 197 yards per game.
In his first start, Grunkemeyer completed 15 of 28 attempts (53.6%) for just 93 yards (3.3 YPA) with no touchdowns and two interceptions. This offense lacks any semblance of verticality (130th in passing explosiveness), so the Buckeyes will comfortably load the box and make life hell for the Nittany Lions.
On the flip side, the Buckeyes play at a slow pace (132nd in plays per minute) and are facing a Penn State defense that still possesses a wealth of talent and holds opponents to 19.4 PPG.
Penn State has been susceptible on the ground (103rd in EPA per rush allowed), but Ohio State hasn’t made much hay with its backs (108th in EPA per rush, 134th in rushing explosiveness).
The clock should be tick, tick, ticking throughout this slow-paced, low-scoring contest.
Penn State vs Ohio State same-game parlay
Here’s betting on an offensively-challenged game environment where both teams get their respective running backs the ball.
Kaytron Allen has emerged as Penn State’s go-to offensive player with 22 rushing attempts per game in his last two, and he’s gone for at least 50 rushing yards in six straight games.
Penn State has been forgiving to opposing rushing attacks, and Bo Jackson is averaging 72.2 yards per game as Ohio State’s lead ball carrier.
Penn State vs Ohio State SGP
- Under 44.5
- Kaytron Allen Over 49.5 rushing yards
- Bo Jackson Over 50.5 rushing yards
Our deep-ball SGP: Big Time Buckeyes
The last time Ohio State lost a game, against the spread or straight up, was in 2024. The Buckeyes are 10-0-1 ATS in their last 11 games, and that’s not a train I’m stepping in front of right now.
Penn State vs Ohio State SGP
- Under 44.5
- Kaytron Allen Over 49.5 rushing yards
- Bo Jackson Over 50.5 rushing yards
- Ohio State -20.5
Penn State vs Ohio State game predictions
Penn State vs Ohio State moneyline prediction
Ohio State will move to 8-0 as the best team in college football.
Penn State vs Ohio State spread prediction
Ohio State will narrowly cover this spread as Penn State fails to provide much pushback in a low-scoring contest.
Penn State vs Ohio State Over/Under prediction
This game stays Under the total in a slow-paced slog where each respective team is led by its defense.
Penn State vs Ohio State odds
- Spread: Penn State +20.5 (-110) | Ohio State -20.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Penn State +900 | Ohio State -1600
- Over/Under: Over 44.5 (-110) | Under 44.5 (-110)
Penn State vs Ohio State trend to know
Ohio State has cashed the Under in four of its last five games. Find more college football betting trends for Penn State vs Ohio State.
How to watch Penn State vs Ohio State
| Location | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH |
| Date | Saturday, November 1, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Penn State vs Ohio State latest injuries
Penn State vs Ohio State weather
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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