Ohio State Buckeyes at Penn State Nittany Lions betting, predictions, odds, picks, lines - ESPN

Saturday brings us another huge matchup when the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions (7-0, 4-0 in conference) host the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1, 3-1) in a matchup of Big Ten powerhouses.

Ohio State (+425) is the second choice to win the national championship at ESPN BET, trailing only the Georgia Bulldogs (+360). The Buckeyes are one spot ahead of Oregon (+475), despite losing to the No. 1 Ducks just two weeks ago. Penn State is 14-1 to win it all.

At -900 and -600, respectively, Ohio State and Penn State are heavy favorites to reach the 12-team College Football Playoff.

The Buckeyes head into Beaver Stadium as a field goal favorite over the Nittany Lions. Kickoff is at noon ET Saturday on FOX.

Odds current as of publish time, courtesy of ESPN BET

Spread: Ohio State -3.5
Money line: Ohio State -165, Penn State +140
Over/under: 45.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

First-half spread: Ohio State -2.5 (-110), Penn State +2.5 (-110)
First-half money line: Ohio State -155, Penn State +130
First-half total points: 21.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Both teams in this matchup are facing challenges on offense while flaunting strength on the other side of the ball. Ohio State's offensive struggles have been a major talking point leading up to this matchup. Each side is equipped with a solid defense, ready to parry and absorb blows rather than going for the knockout.

The Buckeyes, typically the power puncher, find themselves with a weakened stance due to injuries on the offensive line. Left tackle Josh Simmons suffered a season-ending injury in the loss to Oregon, prompting a reshuffling that saw Zen Michalski step into Simmons' spot, only to be sidelined by an injury himself late against Nebraska last Saturday. Against a formidable Penn State pass