Joel Klatt previews matchup between Ohio State and Penn State

Ohio State's top-ranked defense will be tested as the Buckeyes host Penn State on FOX's Big Noon Saturday. Ohio State, currently unbeaten at 7-0, will face a Penn State team struggling with a 3-4 record after the firing of head coach James Franklin on October 12. Interim coach Terry Smith will lead the Nittany Lions, who have endured a four-game losing streak.

Penn State will start redshirt freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who steps in for the injured Drew Allar. Grunkemeyer, a native of the Columbus area, will face a formidable Ohio State defense that has only allowed 41 points across seven games. Key defensive players for the Buckeyes include Caden Curry, Arvell Reese, and All-America safety Caleb Downs.

The matchup will also feature a strategic battle between Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and Ohio State's offensive leaders, Ryan Day and Brian Hartline. Knowles, previously Ohio State's defensive coordinator,