Saturday afternoon in Happy Valley, the 8-1 Penn State Nittany Lions host the 7-2 Ohio State Buckeyes in a game that many though would be for the Big Ten title, but with the emergence of the 9-0 Iowa Hawkeyes, this game will be to only break the tie for second place in the conference.

However, that won't mean this match-up will be short on excitement. The atmosphere will be crazy in Beaver Stadium as these two bitter rivals face-off.

NCAA odds makers are calling the Lions home favorites as the Vegas line sits at, Penn State -6 with the total in the contest at 38.5.

Both of these teams need a win to solidify their credentials for a BCS bowl berth. The Nittany Lions have won five straight by lopsided margins, though they lost their toughest game this season when they fell to the Hawkeyes in late September.

For the Buckeyes, a loss could put their goal of winning at least a share of the Big Ten title in jeopardy.

Penn State's success this season is largely because of the play of their defense. The Nittany Lions have the nation's No. 1 scoring defense allowing just 9.3 points per game. Penn State leads the league in sacks, while the athletic linebacking trio of Navorro Bowman, Josh Hull and Sean Lee is one of the best in the country.

Ohio States defense has been excellent as well. The Buckeyes are allowing just under 12 points per game. So it may come down to the offense that can execute and capitalize on the most opportunities.

This game is going to be close. I just don't like the 6 points that the Nittany Lions have to give in this one.

Take Ohio State getting the points.