Penn State-Ohio State game will help determine Big Ten's 'pecking order'

The showdown between the Penn State Nittany Lions and Ohio State Buckeyes could shape the Big Ten as we know it.

While the Michigan Wolverines have won the Big Ten the last two years, Ohio State is still considered by many to be the class of the conference, but Penn State is hoping to break on through to the other side. As the debate rages on, On3’s JD PicKell explained how the showdown between the Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes has everything riding on it.

“This is one that I have circled, and it’s Penn State at Ohio State, and to me this is all about establishing that pecking order within the Big Ten,” started PicKell. “Because Penn State, a lot of the belief in State College is that this could be the year where we catapult into either the top spot in the Big Ten, or we put ourselves right behind Michigan.

“Like they’re tired of going 10-2 in Happy Valley. They’ve done that. They’ve won the Rose Bowl. They love Sean Clifford, but a lot of the excitement is around Drew Allar, and what he could be for them offensively.”

In addition to Penn State’s improved offensive prowess, PicKell harkened back to a conversation with James Franklin, and elaborated on what it all means for Ohio State.

“We had James Franklin, head coach of the Nittany Lions, on this very show. He told us, ‘We have a chance to be better on the offensive side of the ball. We’ve got more talent and depth defensively than we’ve had in a long time. We’ve got a quarterback who can make all the throws.’ Like all the piece are there on paper for Penn State to make that ascent in the Big Ten pecking order. This is a game where they really get a chance to do it,” added PicKell. “Because Ohio State, they haven’t won it the last couple of years, but they’ve been widely considered one of, if not the top dog in the conference, for recent history. Really since Ryan Day has been there. For Penn State to take a swing at the big dog, one of the big dogs I should say, and to kind of slay the dragons of sorts, like that would be enough for me to say, ‘Okay, Penn State is going to be a team we’ve got to talk about in the College Football Playoff. They’re a team we’ve got to talk about in terms of winning the Big Ten.’

“So for Ohio State now, the thing for them is don’t get passed by Penn State while you’re trying to chase Michigan. Because to be clear, they are in chase mode right now. They’ve been beat by Michigan soundly the last two seasons. We were on hand for one of them. It was not close. They finished the deal, did Michigan against Ohio State. But Ohio State now, while they’re trying to catch Michigan, you’ve got to look over your shoulder and see Penn State is churning and burning and trying to find a way to be considered one of those top tier teams. So this game I think will really give us a good idea for where these teams sit in terms of the future of the Big Ten, and I think either result, whether it’s an Ohio State win or a Penn State win, it’s a statement kind of game.”

Time will tell if Penn State can slay the dragon that is Ohio State, but 2023 could be their best shot to take the leap yet. If they’re able to, the College Football Playoff could be in their future.