Analyzing Penn State-Ohio State
Penn State fans know the score when it comes to the Buckeyes. The only win they have had over them in the past decade was also the last time they won a Big Ten title, back in 2016. Nevertheless, last year at home was their best chance at redemption. But much like years past, poor execution and lack of consistency saw them come up short yet again. Who knows what would have happened if they had won their CFP semifinal and faced off against the Buckeyes in the national title? Penn State fans would probably blanch at that thought.
On the other hand, with the start of the 2025 season comes a new narrative for the Nittany Lions. They enter the season with one of the most accomplished rosters in the sport and potentially as the Big Ten favorite. They may have not handled the psychological burdens of last year, but this squad has a different vibe of comfortability to it. They have the natural swagger, yet composure now to navigate another long, grueling season and their playoff experience will help them in the long run.
Meanwhile, Ohio State will have a new face at the helm of their offense in Julian Sayin, with a lot of rumors saying he has struggled in spring practices. However, he does have the benefit of the best receiving tandem in the country and a defense filled with experience and young talent who are hungry to step up. All Sayin needs to do is just keep the offense rolling without making too many critical mistakes. He will be heavily tested right from the jump at home against Texas, but this matchup is really the one that matters.
What's interesting for both teams though is that theoretically, this game might not matter at all. The new Big Ten format gives both squads less margin for error as they do not have to win a division for a shot at the Big Ten title. Still, for both programs, there is a lot at stake. For Penn State, it's the psychological hurdle that they must leap over. It's all fine and dandy when you can purportedly say you're the better team on paper, but if it doesn't show up on game day, there will be a lot more soul searching than just chalking it up to bad luck. For Ohio State, it's more about the marquee win on their resume. If they don't beat Texas at home the first game of the season, this matchup is the one that will sway the committee in their favor on Judgment Day. It also most certainly could prove that the Buckeyes are still the top dogs in the conference and every one will have to go through them if they want a title. Divisions be damned, both squads will play like they mean it. College football fans will want it no other way.
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