🏈 Penn State vs. Ohio State: The Ultimate 2025 Game Preview & Fan Guide

 

The rivalry between Penn State and Ohio State is one of college football’s most electrifying matchups. As the 2025 showdown approaches, fans, analysts, and alumni are buzzing with anticipation. This guide covers every angle—from tactical breakdowns to fan experiences—to make sure you’re fully prepared.

📅 Game Overview

🕒 Date, Time & Location

• Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025

• Time: 7:30 PM EST

• Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

📺 Broadcast & Streaming Options

• TV Channel: ABC

• Streaming: ESPN+, Hulu Live, FuboTV

• Radio: WBNS-FM (Ohio State), WQWK-FM (Penn State)

💰 Betting Odds & Line Movement

• Spread: Ohio State -6.5

• Over/Under: 48.5

• Public Betting: 62% on Ohio State

🧠 Team Breakdown

🧨 Ohio State Buckeyes

• Record: 8-0

• Key Players: QB Julian Sayin, WR Emeka Egbuka, DE JT Tuimoloau

• Injuries: LT Donovan Jackson (questionable)

🦁 Penn State Nittany Lions

• Record: 7-1

• Key Players: QB Drew Allar, LB Abdul Carter, WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith

• Injuries: RB Nick Singleton (probable)

🧠 Coaching Matchup

• Ohio State: Ryan Day—known for aggressive play-calling and elite QB development

• Penn State: Terry Smith (interim)—defensive-minded, with strong recruiting ties

🔍 Tactical Analysis

⚔️ Offense vs. Defense Matchups

• Ohio State’s vertical passing vs. Penn State’s zone-heavy secondary

• Penn State’s run game vs. OSU’s front seven led by Knowles’ blitz packages

📊 Key Schemes & Play Styles

• OSU: Spread offense, RPO-heavy, tempo control

• PSU: Balanced attack, play-action, disguised blitzes

📈 Advanced Stats Breakdown

• EPA/play: OSU +0.32, PSU +0.21

• Success Rate: OSU 51%, PSU 47%

• Havoc Rate: PSU defense 18% (top 10 nationally)

🕰️ Historical Context

🏟️ Rivalry History

• First meeting: 1912

• All-time series: Ohio State leads 23–14

• Last 5 games: OSU 4–1

🌟 Memorable Games

• 2016: PSU upset OSU with blocked FG return

• 2022: CJ Stroud’s comeback drive in the fourth quarter

🏆 Past MVPs

• 2023: Marvin Harrison Jr. (OSU)

• 2021: Jahan Dotson (PSU)

🎉 Fan Experience

🍔 Tailgating & Traditions

• OSU: Skull Session, TBDBITL marching band

• PSU: White Out, Nittanyville campouts

🏟️ Stadium Atmosphere Comparison

• Ohio Stadium: 102,780 capacity, “The Shoe”

• Beaver Stadium: 106,572 capacity, “White Out” intensity

🚗 Travel & Parking Tips

• Arrive 3 hours early

• Use ParkMobile app for reserved spots

• Best eats: Thurman Café (Columbus), The Field (State College)

📡 Media & Coverage

🎙️ TV, Radio & Streaming Details

• Commentary: Chris Fowler & Kirk Herbstreit

• Sideline: Holly Rowe

• Radio: Paul Keels (OSU), Steve Jones (PSU)

🧵 Social Media Buzz

• Trending hashtags: #BeatPennState, #WeAre

• Alumni tweets: Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Porter Jr.

🗣️ Press Conference Highlights

• Ryan Day: “Julian’s growth has been phenomenal.”

• Terry Smith: “We’re not backing down. This is our moment.”

🔮 Predictions & X-Factors

🧠 Expert Picks

• ESPN: OSU by 10

• CBS Sports: PSU upset by 3

• Fan Poll: 58% favor OSU

🔥 Player Matchups to Watch

• Julian Sayin vs. Abdul Carter

• Emeka Egbuka vs. Kalen King

• JT Tuimoloau vs. PSU’s O-line

🌧️ Weather & Field Conditions

• Forecast: 45°F, light rain

• Impact: Slippery turf may favor PSU’s ground game

❓ FAQs

What channel is the Ohio State game on?

• ABC nationally, with local radio coverage on WBNS-FM.

How to listen to the game on radio?

• Tune into WBNS-FM (Ohio) or WQWK-FM (Pennsylvania).

Where to watch in your city?

• Use our interactive fan map to find bars and venues showing the game near you.

🎨 Bonus Features

• 📊 Interactive Matchup Matrix: Compare player stats and team metrics

• 📍 Fan Map: Find viewing spots in NYC, Chicago, LA, and more

• 🎥 Short Video Clips: Key plays from past games

• 🧪 Predictive Tool: Simulate outcomes based on weather, injuries, and stats

• 🗣️ Fan Polls: Vote for MVP and final score predictions