Saturday’s Penn State-Ohio State game will be the first top-5 game at Beaver Stadium since 1999, with plenty at stake for both teams. Penn State head coach James Franklin has beaten the Buckeyes just once in 10 previous tries, while Ohio State’s Ryan Day is 2-6 against teams ranked in the top 5 in the Associated Press poll.

The Nittany Lions are looking for a signature win under Franklin since Penn State’s 2016 Big Ten title, and Ohio State is trying to stay alive in the Big Ten race and keep its College Football Playoff dreams alive.

” READ MORE: James Franklin sees the matchup between Penn State no. 3 with Ohio State as just another game. His team, however, did not.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for this matchup (noon, Fox29. But is this the year Penn State can end its seven-game losing streak to the Buckeyes? Here’s how both teams break down and their differences on either side of the balls.

Similarly constructed offences

Both teams boast a tandem of runners. For Penn State, it’s the “Lawn Boyz” Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, who together average 153.2 yards. For Ohio State, it’s Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, who rush for a combined 138.4 yards per game.

Each offense relies on its running game to set the tempo, though Penn State has had more success on the ground against conference foes (154 yards) than Ohio State (148).

But the biggest difference between the offenses is at wide receiver. Known for its rich history of developing receivers, Ohio State has an excellent group led by senior Emeka Egbuka, who leads the team in receptions (34). However, all eyes will be on freshman Jeremiah Smith, who has set the college football world on fire with his speed. He leads the Buckeyes in receiving yards (575) and touchdown receptions (7) this season.

The weakest area of ​​Penn State’s defense is the secondary, which has veterans Jaylen Reed, one of the nation’s top relievers, and Zakee Wheatley, but defensive backs AJ Harris and Jalen Kimber are rookies and have allowed big plays down the field in this season. Look for the Buckeyes to test the Lions secondary, which collectively has five interceptions (two from Reed) and is allowing 174.6 passing yards per game, which ranks 19th best in college football.

” READ MORE: Penn State commit Will Howard of Downingtown ready to ‘prove them wrong’ with Ohio State

Howard vs Allar? Or Howard vs. Pribula?

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, a West Chester native who played at Downingtown West, didn’t mince his words about Penn State after beating Nebraska last weekend. “They didn’t think I was good enough, but I guess we’ll see next week if I am,” he told reporters after last week’s game.

Howard has 17 total touchdowns (13 passing, four rushing) and has completed 72 percent of his passes this season after spending the last four with Kansas State. He’s a pace passer, a big-bodied athlete (6-foot-4, 235 pounds) who makes quick, decisive reads, getting the ball into space. He has effectively led the Buckeyes’ offense and has just three interceptions this season.

For Penn State, its quarterback situation is uncertain after starter Drew Allar left last week’s game against Wisconsin with an apparent foot injury. Allar is an “in-game” decision.but his big arm and mobility inside the pocket have opened up Penn State’s offense this season. The Medina, Ohio native has played outstanding football over his last three, completing 71 percent of his passes with four touchdowns while averaging 258.6 yards passing. The hiring of offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki proved critical to Allar’s development, and even with offensive lulls, they were able to figure out their issues in the second half, outscoring opponents 131-30 after halftime.

But if Allar can’t go, backup Beau Pribula has the dual-threat ability to underline Ohio State’s stingy defense, which has the nation’s fourth-best scoring defense. Pribula had more rushing attempts (15) than passing attempts (10) before starting the second half against the Badgers last weekend. Although he has a small sample size, Pribula can run the Nittany Lions’ motion-heavy offense, completing 11 of 13 passes for 98 yards and a score at Wisconsin. But his legs will be incredibly valuable against an Ohio State pass rush that can, and did in the past against Penn State, wreak havoc.

Elite crossing cleaners

The biggest stars, however, are on each team’s defensive lines. Abdul Carter, North Philly native and La Salle College graduate, Penn State master, has four sacks this season and a 23.8 percent win rate, according to Pro Football Focus. But not to be outdone is Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau, who has 3½ sacks this season with a 19.6 percent pass completion rate. As potential first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, Saturday’s game will be a replay for both players.

” READ MORE: Penn State’s Drew Shelton blocks for Will Howard at Downingtown West. They will be on opposite sides on Saturday.

In terms of each team’s offensive game situation, Penn State looks more favorable. The Nittany Lions are backed by Downingtown West standout Drew Shelton at left tackle, who has not given up a sack in 203 pass-blocking reps. The Buckeyes lost left tackle Josh Simmons, a projected first-round pick, to an injury during the Oct. 12 matchup with Oregon and have struggled at times in passing situations since losing him on the left side.

Regardless of the team’s offensive line that can minimize it, the stars who have rushed will likely have the advantage.

Who needs this game more?

Psychologically, Penn State absolutely needs to win this game. It would put the Nittany Lions in the driver’s seat to make the Big Ten Championship game and prove they can beat one of the perennial powerhouse teams in the Big Ten. Still, a loss wouldn’t eliminate Penn State from the new 12-team playoff format, but a win could prove to Nittany Lion fans and players that they can win top-tier games.

This is a must-win for Ohio State, both as Big Ten contenders and to make the CFP. The Buckeyes made the playoffs in 2022, but were one-and-done and have already lost once this season. At two losses, making the playoffs would require losses to other teams ranked ahead of them, including Penn State, Oregon and several others.