College Football Pick: #2 Penn State Nittany Lions at #6 Ohio State Buckeyes
Big Game for Nittany Lions and Buckeyes
Today at 3:30 p.m. in Columbus, OH there is a major contest between two Big Ten teams, the #2 Penn State Nittany Lions (7-0 Overall, 4-0 Big Ten) and the #6 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1 Overall, 4-0 Big Ten). Last week, Penn State beat #19 Michigan 42-13. It was their first game this season against a nationally ranked team. It was two weeks ago that OSU played their last game. At that time, they beat Nebraska 56-14. The Buckeyes have met one nationally ranked team this season. That was #5 Oklahoma on Sep 9. OSU lost that game 31-16. Our Penn State plays OSU college football free pick offers the Nittany Lions at +7.0 and the over/under at 57.0.
Penn State- Pluses and Minuses
The Nittany Lions come to this game averaging 40.0 PPG. At the same time, their defense is allowing opponents a mere 9.6 PPG. Their pass defense has been tough, limiting opponents to 168 YPG. They have 10 picks and 30 PD. They have also forced 10 fumbles, 59 TFL, and 25 sacks. Top performers on defense include CB Amani Oruwariye (13 TCKLs, 3 INT, 3 PD), DE Shareef Miller (22 TCKLs, 3 SCKs, 7 TFL), and DE Shaka Toney (3.5 SCKs, 6 TFL, 2 FF).
On offense, QB Trace McSorley (66.8 COMP%, 14 TDs, 5 INTs), who has seven rushing touchdowns in addition to his 14 passing, is a force with which to be reckoned. RB Saquon Barkley (117 ATT, 757 TDs, 6.5 AVG, 8 TDs) is a dual threat with 32 receptions and three receiving TDs. Top pass catchers include wideouts DaeSean Hamilton and Mike Gesicki, each of whom have four touchdowns.
Nittany Summary
- Underrated D is punishing
- McSorely is a top talent
- Lots of offense weapons
Ohio State- Pluses and Minuses
Ohio State has an offense that is scoring 47.3 PPG while limiting opponents to 15.4 PPG. They’ve been accumulating 577 offensive yards per game with 327 of those yards through the air. QB J.T. Barrett (66.7 COMP%, 21 TDs, 1 INT) is a solid passer and rusher. He’s scored five TDs while averaging 5.1 YPA. RB J.K. Dobbins (100 ATT, 775 YDs, 7.5 AVG, 5 TDs) is a major talent, while OSU also offers two other solid running backs. WR Johnnie Dixon (10 REC, 276 YDs, 27.6 AVG, 4 TDs) can make be a major difference-maker.
On defense CB Damon Webb (34 TCKLs, 2 INT) is their top tackler. The OSU defense has some decent numbers but nothing that’s close to what Penn State has put up. CB Denzel Ward has nine PD, 1 pick, and two TFL.
Buckeyes Summary
- QB Barrett is tough to stop
- D is good, bit has some holes
- Very good running game
Three Takeaways
In our Penn State plays OSU college football free pick, we think that the following three takeaways are essential:
- Lions D can outplay Buckeyes D
- McSorely can take command
- OSU has a lot of offensive talent
Our Penn State at OSU Pick
Our Penn State plays OSU college football free pick like the fact that the Lions are the underdog. Penn State may not win this game, but we think they will keep it close. Also, we can see both teams scoring around 30, which makes the over look good. We’re going with Penn State at +7.0 and over 57.o.
Spread and Over/Under: Nittany Lions at +7.0 and over 57.0
