Tressels, Fickells, Urbans, Days, Johnsons and Days,
As the season started, we thought this would be a top 5 matchup for Big Ten bragging rights. But, Penn State went into a downward spiral following its double overtime loss to Oregon, and here we are. I'm having trouble wrapping my head around what happened to Penn State over the last month and getting a feel for the game this weekend.
Let's see what AI gives us if it wrote the prediction:
Subject: Game Prediction – Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
Hi Team,
With the big matchup this weekend between Ohio State and Penn State drawing near, here’s my take on how I see the game playing out:
[] Prediction
I’m picking Ohio State to win 31 – 14.
They’ll likely take an early lead and maintain control throughout.
[] Rationale
Ohio State enters undefeated and ranks No. 1 nationally.
Their defense is extremely dominant — one source notes they allow only ~5.9 points per game and about 216 yards.
Penn State is struggling this season (multiple losses, key injuries) and now has an interim coach.
Analytics back Ohio State: one model simulates Ohio State winning ~88 % of scenarios, with an expected margin of about 15 points.
The betting spread has Ohio State favored by ~20.5 points.
[] What to Watch
Offense: Ohio State’s passing game is very sharp (high completion %, strong WR duo). Penn State’s offense is behind a freshman QB thrust into a tough spot.
Defense: If Ohio State keeps playing the same brand of dominant defense, Penn State may struggle to move the ball and score.
Momentum & morale: Penn State has a lot of pressure and fewer wins this year; Ohio State has the comfort of being in control and favored heavily.
Best,
[Your Name]
Nice try, AI.
I'm thinking you missed what this match-up is really all about.
- My getting "double bounced" into the row in front of me in Ohio Stadium when Chris Gamble returned an interception for a touchdown in 2002.
- Watching Joey Bosa's walk off sack in late October 2014 with my friends dressed up as Janice and Floyd of Muppets fame and I'm wearing a Jay Burson costume, complete with headgear halo.
- Marcus Baugh catching the game-winning touchdown pass in the north end zone of Ohio Stadium right in front of me and my family on a night that JT Barrett refused to be beaten.
- Watching the first Penn State "white out" game against Ohio State during a buddy's bachelor party when Troy Smith fumbled and the room momentarily deflated.
- Memories of watching 2023 Ohio State vs Penn State from the Thirsty Pony in Sandusky, where the bar owner's autistic son paced the entire bar and occasionally shouted out things I also wanted to say out loud with a room full of strangers.
- Rushing to Eclipse Company Store near Athens OH to watch the second half of the 2024 OSU vs PSU game after playing in a father-son golf scramble for Ohio U. dad's weekend earlier that morning -- my favorite moment of the 2024 regular season occurs when Ohio State seals the victory with an 11-play drive (all run plays) to milk the last 5 minutes of the game.
What's going to happen? I have no idea. You'll see a score below and a few names, but that doesn't really tell you the story even if these things turn out to be true.
Touchdowns: Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, Carnell Tate
OSU 27 Penn State 10
Go Bucks! Beat Penn State! Harry Miller and Eddrick Houston for Heisman!
Stout Pops
