### High Stakes Clash: Penn State vs. Ohio State in Big Ten Showdown

As the anticipation builds for the release of the first College Football Playoff rankings, a monumental clash awaits in Happy Valley between two of the Big Ten's elite teams. The No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions are set to face the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes this weekend, in a game that carries significant implications for both the Big Ten race and the CFP standings.

The Ohio State Buckeyes, who are coming off a loss to the No. 1 Oregon Ducks, find themselves in a must-win situation to maintain their position near the top of the conference. On the other hand, the Penn State Nittany Lions, despite some narrowly escaped games, have preserved an unblemished record so far this season. Since their last victory against Ohio State in 2016, Penn State has struggled against top-tier Big Ten competition, a factor that has consistently kept them from both the conference title game and the playoff.

According to the Allstate Playoff Predictor, Penn State’s likelihood of making the playoff soars to 97% with a victory this Saturday but dips to 76% with a loss. For Ohio State, a triumph over Penn State would boost their playoff chances to 88%, whereas a defeat would slash their chances down to 49%. In essence, this game is pivotal for shaping the postseason ambitions of both teams.

Here are some of the most memorable moments from this eagerly awaited Big Ten matchup.