COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — A struggling Penn State team faces a monumental challenge Saturday when it visits undefeated and Ohio State at Ohio Stadium.

The Nittany Lions (3-4) are reeling, having lost four of their last five games, including three by three points or fewer. Their most recent result was a 25-24 road loss to Iowa on Oct. 18, a game in which running back Kaytron Allen rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns, but the quarterback combination of Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jaxon Smolik managed just 93 passing yards.

They now face a Buckeyes (7-0) squad that has dominated its opponents, boasting the nation’s top-ranked scoring defense. Ohio State is coming off a 34-0 shutout of Wisconsin, where quarterback Julian Sayin was nearly flawless, completing 36 of 42 passes for 393 yards and four touchdowns.

Despite the lopsided records, Interstat’s game simulator projects a relatively close final score of 26-20 in favor of Ohio State. Penn State has been installed as a 20.5-point underdog, with an over/under of 45.5.

The game is a critical point in both teams’ seasons. For Penn State, it is an opportunity to salvage its campaign with a program-defining upset. For Ohio State, it is the next hurdle in a perfect season that builds toward a Nov. 29 showdown at Michigan.