In a highly anticipated clash between top-five rivals, #4 Ohio State travels to Happy Valley to battle #3 Penn State for a pivotal Big Ten showdown that could reshape the conference landscape. With both teams emerging from challenging matchups last week, they now face off with everything on the line. The Buckeyes boast a formidable backfield duo in Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Yet, their recent struggles against a staunch Nebraska defense raise questions about their ability to dominate on the ground. Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions, known for their efficient and balanced offensive approach, look to exploit Ohio State’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially with their star quarterback Drew Allar’s status hanging in the balance. As fans gear up for this electrifying matchup, the stakes couldn’t be higher—only one team will be victorious.
- Waiver Wire Advice
- Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Devy Fantasy Football Primer
(All odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook)
Game of the Week
#4 Ohio State (-3.5) @ #3 Penn State | Total 47.5 | Saturday, Noon ET on FOX
Both teams were tested last week but survived and advanced to this week’s monster top-five showdown. Coming into this game, they each control their destiny in the Big Ten, but only one will leave with the same advantage. Ohio State may have the most talented duo of running backs in the country, Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, but we have seen them struggle to impact a game, and they are now going up against the best rush defense they have faced. Against Nebraska, they only managed to put up 54 yards on 20 carries. This game will have to be won on the arm and legs of Will Howard. Carnell Tate had his best game of the season last week, giving Ohio State a third receiving option to stretch the defense and open up more room for Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith to operate.
While Penn State may not have the most explosive offense, it is efficient and does not turn the ball over often. It is a well-balanced offense that does not allow its quarterback to get hit often and is one of the best at converting on third down. Ohio State does have one of the nation’s top run defenses statistically; however, we did see Jordan James (115 yards) and Oregon prove they can be run on with 155 rushing yards. The tandem of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen might be the best in the nation behind Judkins and Henderson. If Penn State can run the ball consistently, control the time of possession, and put Drew Allar in a position to make a couple of big plays with his arm, this game could be Penn State’s to lose.
As of this writing, Allar is reportedly a game-time decision after leaving the Wisconsin game with a knee injury. If he does not play, I lean toward Ohio State to win and cover, but with Allar, I’m taking Penn State.
Ohio State offensive and defensive ranks (via Outlier.Bet)
- Offense
- 11th in scoring: 40.3 PPG
- 22nd in passing yards: 283.9 YPG
- 35th in rushing yards: 188 YPG
- 5th in yards per play: 7.3
- Defense
- 4th in scoring: 11.9 PPG
- 8th in passing yards allowed: 163.1 YPG
- 6th in rushing yards allowed: 91.3 YPG
- 5th in yards per play allowed: 4.1
Penn State offensive and defensive ranks (via Outlier.Bet)
- Offense
- 32nd in scoring: 33.3 PPG
- 29th in passing yards: 266.6 YPG
- 29th in rushing yards: 197.1 YPG
- 7th in yards per play: 7
- Defense
- 8th in scoring: 14.3 PPG
- 18th in passing yards allowed: 174.6 YPG
- 8th in rushing yards allowed: 92.9 YPG
- 7th in yards per play allowed: 4.2
My Picks:
- Moneyline: Penn State
- Spread: Penn State +3.5
- Total: Under 47.5
Devy Spotlight
DJ Lagway (QB – Florida) | 2027
Unfortunately, Florida lost veteran Graham Mertz for the season due to a knee injury and has had to turn to true freshman DJ Lagway to finish the season. Since taking over as the starter, Florida is 1-1 with a blowout victory and overtime loss at Tennessee. Lagway completes 52% of passes in those starts with one touchdown and two interceptions. Georgia will be the best defense he has seen on the opposite side of the field. Playing well in this game can impact his devy value for the rest of this season.
Heisman Trophy Race
The top-five Heisman favorites after Week 9:
- Dillon Gabriel (QB – Oregon) | +230
- Travis Hunter (WR/CB – Colorado) | +270
- Cameron Ward (QB – Miami) | +300
- Ashton Jeanty (RB – Boise State) | +440
- Cade Klubnik (QB – Clemson) | +1500
Travis Hunter bounced back big time with nine receptions for 153 and two touchdowns against Cincinnati. Colorado is now ranked in the top 25, which boosts his campaign. Dillon Gabriel continues to pass for nearly 300 yards a game and multiple touchdowns leading Oregon to a win over then-ranked Illinois. Cameron Ward had his worst game of the season against arch-rival Florida State but still managed to lead his team to a win and a top-five ranking for the first time since 2017. Ashton Jeanty finally looked human against a UNLV team that constantly stacked the box, only allowing 128 rushing yards and one touchdown. To me, this is a four-man race to New York. Cade Klubnik has played outstandingly to this point, but Clemson has had a rather soft schedule outside of playing Georgia in week one.
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Podcast Addict | TuneIn
For more content, check out my weekly dynasty buy, sell, and hold article, follow me on X @GUMP7285, and catch the Gridiron Fantasy Show weekly and the Destination Devy College Football Podcast on Saturdays.