Joel Klatt previews Penn State vs. Ohio State, how game could impact 2025 season

Outside of The Game, the Big Ten’s premier game has become Ohio State–Penn State. While the two might not consider themselves rivals but something more is on the line every single year. In most cases, a spot in the conference championship game and, therefore, the College Football Playoff.

Usually, Ohio State finds itself on the winning end. FOX’s Joel Klatt sees an opportunity ahead for Penn State, giving them another opportunity to get a massive weight off their shoulders. Specifically, James Franklin, whose head-to-head record against the Buckeyes has become too well-known of a stat.

“Likely another top-five matchup,” Klatt said. “Another opportunity for James Franklin and Penn State to get a marquee win. If they don’t get it against Oregon, there’s going to be a ton of pressure on them in this matchup to get it against Ohio State. In particular, in a year where Ohio State is breaking in a new quarterback, breaking in two new coordinators. It’s like, if you don’t beat this version of Ohio State, don’t you expect Ryan Day to continue to reload and build something that might be even better in the future.”

Franklin is 1-9 in his career against Ohio State. The one win did help propel Penn State into the Big Ten Championship game but after previously suffering two losses, making the CFP was out of the equation. Fans in Happy Valley are looking for a massive breakthrough on Nov. 1 in Columbus.

As for how this specific game can affect the 2025 season’s outlook, Klatt believes the loser of this one will struggle to find itself in Indianapolis. Yes, the scenario played out last year where Penn State snuck in at the last moment due to an Ohio State loss. Klatt is not going to rely on that this go-round, though.

“The loser of this game, precarious spot when it comes to the Big Ten Championship Game. We’ll see how it all plays out but it was a wild loss from Ohio State against Michigan that got Penn State into the backdoor and into the Big Ten Championship Game last year against Oregon. Can you expect that again? Probably not. The loser… you cannot expect to go to the Big Ten Championship Game.”

You have to imagine Klatt will be broadcasting this game alongside Gus Johnson for Big Noon Kickoff. The Shoe gets extra bouncy when certain teams come into town. Penn State is one of them in a potential top-five, top-10 matchup.