Overview
- Caesars opened the line at Ohio State -21 before it settled around -20.5, with public money and sharps laying the points, according to the book's head of football trading.
- Ohio State is 7-0 and 6-1 against the spread, while Penn State is 3-4 with four straight losses following James Franklin's firing and Terry Smith's promotion to interim coach.
- Dimers' 10,000-simulation model gives the Buckeyes a 93% win probability with a projected 33–13 score and highlights Under 44.5 as the preferred play.
- Ohio State's passing game features Julian Sayin leading the nation at 80% completion with receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate combining for 1,189 yards and 13 touchdowns.
- Penn State has not won in Columbus since 2016, and the outcome will shape perceptions ahead of the first College Football Playoff rankings on Nov. 4.