'Obviously there's a game in Happy Valley.' Pat McAfee on why GameDay isn't at OSU vs. PSU

"ESPN College GameDay" was live from Jackson, Mississippi, on Saturday, the first time ever for the show as they previewed coach Deion Sanders' Jackson State Tigers game against Southern.

But the Buckeyes and their showdown against Penn State wasn't far from their minds. Pat McAfee explained the decision to go to the SWAC school instead of the Big Ten game.

"Obviously there's a game in Happy Valley," Pat McAfee said to start the show. "A big one. Ohio State is going to take on Penn State in a Big Ten matchup that is going to have rippling effects for the rest of the season. ESPN said 'nah, nah nah, we're not going to Happy Valley.' "

Want to keep up with Ohio State? Don't miss a single Buckeyes story. Get a great deal by subscribing to the Dispatch today at www.dispatch.com/subscribenow/.

Jackson State faces Southern (5-2) today in a marquee matchup in SWAC play. Sanders, a rising star coach, has Jackson State at 7-0.

Meanwhile, Ohio State plays Penn State at noon on Fox.

Jackson is the 98th different city to host "ESPN College GameDay," which means it is new to hosting the show. The first time Columbus hosted the show was in 1996 for that year's Ohio State-Penn State game. Ohio State has hosted the show 20 more times after that, the most for any campus.

PSU vs OSU 2022:By the numbers: When did Ohio State football last lose to Penn State?

Ohio State vs. Penn State: The talent gap between Ohio State and Penn State, once narrowing, is widening

There will be a pregame show in Happy Valley, though. "Fox's Big Noon Kickoff Show" which includes Urban Meyer will be live from outside Beaver Stadium.

What is the Ohio State football record against Penn State?

The Buckeyes lead the series against Penn State 22-14. Ohio State beat Penn State 33-24 in 2021.

Ohio State football:After early mistake, Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson appreciated support by linemates

Ohio State football 2022 schedule

• Sept. 3:Ohio State 21, Notre Dame 10

• Sept. 10:Ohio State 45, Arkansas State 12

• Sept. 17:Ohio State 77, Toledo 21

• Sept. 24:Ohio State 52, Wisconsin 21

• Oct. 1: Ohio State 49, Rutgers 10

• Oct. 8:Ohio State 49, Michigan State 20

• Oct. 22: Ohio State 54, Iowa 10

• Oct. 29:Ohio State vs. Penn State, State College, Pa., noon

• Nov. 5:Ohio State vs. Northwestern, Evanston, Ill., noon

• Nov. 12: Ohio State vs. Indiana, Columbus, Ohio

• Nov. 19:Ohio State vs. Maryland, College Park, Md.

• Nov. 26: Ohio State vs. Michigan, Columbus, Ohio, noon

Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State, Penn State game today a big one says Pat McAfee