Ohio State Hosts Penn State After Coaching Shakeup

Ohio State (7–0) will host Penn State (3–4) at noon Saturday in Ohio Stadium, with the game broadcast on Fox 28. The matchup comes amid turmoil for Penn State — the school has fired head coach James Franklin and lost quarterback Drew Allar, and its defense has underperformed this season. Former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles returns to The Shoe as Penn State’s defensive coach after leaving OSU abruptly following the Buckeyes’ national title, a move Ryan Day said strained communication even as he praised Knowles’ role in the title run. Day warned Ohio State not to overlook a talented Penn State unit that has had two weeks and a coaching shakeup to change looks, but on paper the Buckeyes are heavy favorites. Ohio State’s retooled defense under Matt Patricia has been dominant, allowing just 41 points in seven games (about 5.8 points per game) and roughly 217 yards per game.