Ohio State hosts Penn State in key playoff push for Buckeyes

Ohio State will host Penn State at Ohio Stadium on Saturday at noon in a matchup that pits the top-ranked Buckeyes against a Nittany Lions team still searching for answers after a difficult stretch that cost its head coach his job. The game is the latest step in Ohio State’s pursuit of a College Football Playoff résumé, while Penn State arrives on a four-game losing streak under interim coach Terry Smith and without injured starter Drew Allar.

Ohio State enters off a bye and boasts one of the nation’s stingiest defenses, allowing just 41 points through seven games and leading FBS in total defense, red zone defense and third-down defense. First-year starter Julian Sayin has paced the offense, completing about 80 percent of his passes and producing multiple 300-yard games. The Buckeyes have won eight straight meetings in the series and are heavy favorites, with bookmakers listing the spread near 20 points.

Penn State’s season has unraveled since early success. Losses to Oregon, UCLA, Northwestern and Iowa led to the firing of James Franklin and the elevation of Smith as interim coach. Quarterback Drew Allar suffered a season-ending leg injury against Northwestern, and redshirt...