We will get more clarity in the Big Ten East race this weekend thanks to a pair of rivalry showdowns, including Ohio State–Penn State.
The fifth-ranked Buckeyes and 20th-ranked Nittany Lions meet Saturday night in Columbus hours after No. 6 Michigan and No. 8 Michigan State face off in East Lansing. Penn State’s shocking nine-overtime loss to Illinois last week has taken some of the luster out of this game, but make no mistake, it is still incredibly important.
As is his Wednesday morning custom, ESPN’s Bill Connelly revealed the SP+ formula score predictions for the upcoming weekend. Connelly’s proprietary predictive SP+ formula is “an opponent- and tempo-adjusted look at the most sustainable and predictive aspects of college football.”
According to the computer, Ohio State will remain undefeated with a two-touchdown win over Penn State.
If you noticed, the SP+ also has Michigan beating Michigan State. If both results happen, and there are no bumps in the road the rest of the way, we would have the Buckeyes and Wolverines playing for the Big Ten East title on the final weekend in November.
As for more urgent matters, Ohio State and Penn State will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday night.
ABC will broadcast the action.