Fansided

10 best college football games in October that will shape the playoff picture

By Christopher Novak

Penn State running back Saquon Barkley picks up yardage and squares off with Michigan safety Delano Hill (44) on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. Michigan won, 28-16. (Abby Drey/Centre Daily Times/TNS via Getty Images)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley picks up yardage and squares off with Michigan safety Delano Hill (44) on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. Michigan won, 28-16. (Abby Drey/Centre Daily Times/TNS via Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 22: Garrett Sickels #90 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after a sack on 4th down in the fourth quarter during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 22, 2016 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 22: Garrett Sickels #90 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after a sack on 4th down in the fourth quarter during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 22, 2016 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

1. Penn State vs. Ohio State

Another impactful Big Ten showdown that will have plenty of eyeballs on it takes place in the loaded Week 9 slate. Ohio State will welcome Penn State to Columbus to continue a rivalry that has produced plenty of ferocity in the past.

The Nittany Lions’ 24-21 win over the Buckeyes didn’t have as big of an impact on the Playoff as many in the PSU faithful would’ve liked. Despite the head-to-head win and the Big Ten title in tow, Penn State didn’t represent the conference. Instead, Ohio State did. We know what happened to the Buckeyes, as they fell 31-0 to the eventual National Champions – the Clemson Tigers. Penn State, though, probably felt like they could have at least gotten a few points on the board.

Next: College football conference power rankings

This should yet again have a huge impact on the Big Ten race. With this coming a week after PSU’s matchup with Michigan, the entire complexion of the conference may change depending on the result this game. OSU has it pretty easy in their first two games in October, facing depleted Maryland and then Nebraska. Penn State has to travel to Northwestern and then host Michigan, which will be no easy task.

It’s possible that Ohio State could take a stranglehold of the conference after this game. Or, Penn State could again get a head-to-head victory over OSU, and result pending against Michigan, be in the driver’s seat for another championship game appearance.

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