Penn State and Ohio State seem to be trending in opposite directions.
The Nittany Lions started the season 5-0 with two ranked wins, including one at Camp Randall Stadium against Wisconsin to open the year.
But that once-promising start has been derailed the past three weeks, starting with a 23-20 loss to then-No. 3 Iowa in a game starting quarterback Sean Clifford left in the first half with a rib injury. Following a bye week, James Franklin's squad lost 20-18 in an NCAA-record nine overtimes to unranked Illinois at home.
Now, the Nittany Lions travel to Columbus, where they haven't won since 2011, to take on a white-hot Ohio State team.
MORE: Penn State vs. Ohio State odds, trends predictions
The Buckeyes started the season 1-1, with a fairly resounding Week 1 over Minnesota followed by a 35-28 home loss to then-No. 12 Oregon, but have since won five in a row.
The Buckeyes' defense has given up just 44 points in its last four games while quarterback C.J. Stroud has shown himself a fitting heir apparent to Justin Fields.
MORE: PSU's Clifford among finalists for William V. Campbell Trophy
The Buckeyes' median margin of victory since the Oregon loss is 47 points, thanks in large part to Stroud, receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson and running back Tre'Veyon Henderson.
Ohio State is No. 5 in the country and a win against No. 20 Penn State could put the Buckeyes squarely in the College Football Playoff picture yet again.
Here's how to catch this pivotal Big Ten game Saturday.
MORE: Watch Ohio State vs. Penn State live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)
What channel is Ohio State vs. Penn State on today?
- TV channel (national): ABC
- Live stream: Watch ESPN App, fuboTV
This matchup between perennial Big Ten powers will air on ABC. Former State College resident Chris Fowler will handle play-by-play duties with former Buckeyes QB Kirk Herbstreit joining him as the analyst. The two will be accompanied by Holly Rowe reporting from the sidelines.
Ohio State vs. Penn State start time
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 30
- Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. PT
Ohio State vs. Penn State will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET from Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State football schedule 2021
| Opponent | Date | Outcome |
| at Minnesota | Sept. 2 | Ohio State 45, Minnesota 31 |
| vs. No. 12 Oregon | Sept. 11 | Oregon 35, Ohio State 28 |
| vs. Tulsa | Sept. 18 | Ohio State 41, Tulsa 20 |
| vs. Akron | Sept. 25 | Ohio State 59, Akron 7 |
| at Rutgers | Oct. 2 | Ohio State 52, Rutgers 13 |
| vs. Maryland | Oct. 9 | Ohio State 66, Maryland 17 |
| at Indiana | Oct. 23 | Ohio State 54, Indiana 7 |
| vs. Penn State | Oct. 30 | TBD |
| at Nebraska | Nov. 6 | TBD |
| vs. Purdue | Nov. 13 | TBD |
| vs. Michigan State | Nov. 20 | TBD |
| at Michigan | Nov. 27 | TBD |
Penn State State football schedule 2021
| Opponent | Date | Outcome |
| at No. 12 Wisconsin | Sept. 3 | Penn State 16, Wisconsin 10 |
| vs. Ball State | Sept. 11 | Penn State 44, Ball State 13 |
| vs. No. 22 Auburn | Sept. 18 | Penn State 28, Auburn 20 |
| vs. Villanova | Sept. 25 | Penn State 38, Villanova 17 |
| vs. Indiana | Oct. 2 | Penn State 24, Indiana 0 |
| at No. 3 Iowa | Oct. 9 | Iowa 23, Penn State 20 |
| vs. Illinois | Oct. 23 | Illinois 20, Penn State 18 (9 OT) |
| at Ohio State | Oct. 30 | TBD |
| at Maryland | Nov. 6 | TBD |
| vs. Michigan | Nov. 13 | TBD |
| vs. Rutgers | Nov. 20 | TBD |
| at Michigan State | Nov. 27 | TBD |