The Buckeyes prepare to take on the Penn State for their second top 5 showdown of the season. The stakes are high for this game, as the loser is all but out of the Big Ten Championship conversation, and Ohio State has the most pressure to win. Here are our bold predictions for the game.

1. Will Howard passes for over 300 yards.

I predicted he would hit this mark last week, and it seems like Chip Kelly didnt call his best game, as Ohio State could not run the ball, and only had 47 total plays. That cant happen against Penn State if they expect to win. I think Will Howard has a chip on his shoulder, and will try and take control of the game, especially if there is issues with the run game. He has the weapons around him to keep the ball moving for the Ohio State offense.

2. Caleb Downs has punt return for a touchdown.

Caleb Downs has been lights out and the bright spot on the defense when that unit has been struggling the past few weeks. He has been a ball hawk and proved he is one of the best in the country, and arguably one of the best players on this talented team. Last week against Nebraska, he took over for punt return duties and showed his shiftiness. The Buckeyes will need a game changing play, and a punt return fits that criteria.

3. JTT has 4 sacks.

I dont know what it is, but JTT has made big plays two years in a row, none bigger than his 2022 game where he was a disrupter and had 2 interceptions. The defensive line has been working on new pressures, and JTT will get a few more chances for a sack if Beau Pribula is in and tries to make a play.

What are your bold predictions?

Photo Credit: Marc Lebryk | Imagn Images