Woy's Preview
WE ARE...PENN STATE!
OH-IO!
Over the last decade, the conference showdown between Penn State and Ohio State has become one of the most anticipated matchups in the Big Ten every season. And although the budding rivalry between the Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes will never be as famous as the one between the Buckeyes and Michigan, it still has diehard fans of each school growing some sort of hatred between one another.
On Saturday, the two teams march into Beaver Stadium each with BCS and Big Ten championship hopes. With Penn State's loss to Iowa earlier in the year, they will need to win out and have the Hawkeyes lose twice to claim an outright Big Ten title. Ohio State comes in controlling their own destiny. Despite a loss to Purdue a few weeks back, if the Buckeyes win out, they will win the conference outright.
With the two schools winning the last four Big Ten championships, there is obviously some pride on the line. It's easy to say that the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes have had the best teams in the conference over the last few seasons and neither of them would want to see Iowa spoil their streak this year.
Whenever you think about the Big Ten, you think about low-scoring, defensive battles that usually end up coming down to the last few possessions. This game shouldn't be any surprise then. Both of these teams match up just about evenly with one another with no clear advantages favoring either side. This has all the makings to be one of the best games all year.
PENN STATE STRENGTHS
- Quarterback, running game, defensive line, linebackers
Daryll Clark is the unquestioned offensive leader of this team. Ever since he became the starter last year, he has made fans forget Anthony Morelli (even though in reality, that's not difficult) and has led Penn State to a 19-3 record coming into this game. His ability to both look downfield to find an open receiver and to escape the pocket really puts more pressure on the opposing defense. He's the main reason why the Nittany Lions' receiving corps (who everyone put down at the beginning of the season) is still one of the best units in the Big Ten.
After the first two OOC games, Penn State went back to their roots and established the running game again. And why not? Evan Royster is one of the best runningbacks in the conference. He's not the fastest nor the slowest of backs, but he runs hard and breaks a good bit of tackles. If Stephon Green is back from injury, it will really add another speed element to the offense. His 4.3 speed really has opposing defenses on their heels.
For the most part, the defensive line has been very solid throughout the year. Jared Odrick might have put himself as the third defensive tackle on the board for next year's NFL Draft. He's got a great motor and can both disrupt the run and pass. Jack Crawford and Eric Lattimore have been good replacements for Aaron Maybin and Josh Gaines, and Ollie Ogbu is a capable defensive tackle. This group might not win you ball games, but they won't lose them either.
There's a reason why they call Penn State "Linebacker U." Again, this unit is one of the best units in the country. Unlike the Iowa game, where third-stringer Bani Gbadyu was forced into action and was exposed in the run game, Sean Lee has returned from injury and will be starting once again. This is bad news for Ohio State, because with Lee and Navarro Bowman, Penn State possesses two of the best linebackers in the conference. Josh Hull is a former walk-on who rounds out the third slot, and leads the team in tackles.
PENN STATE WEAKNESSES
- Offensive line, safeties, special teams
I know that the Penn State offensive line has improved tremendously since the debacle against Iowa. However, they face a really good Ohio State defensive line that will have the o-line on their heels. Will they respond like they have the last few weeks? Or will they let them get pressure on Clark?
The two starting cornerbacks - D'Anton Lynn and Stefan Morris - are very young but are ahead of their learning curve. They haven't made a big mistake all year and held All-American receiver Eric Decker to only one catch in their matchup against Minnesota. However, behind them is where it starts to get shaky. Drew Astorino and Nick Sukay have been slow at times which really opens up the middle of the field. They have to play to the top of their game.
The special teams for Penn State are one of the worst in the Big Ten and in the nation. They were one of the main reasons why the Nittany Lions lost to Iowa. Along with a few blocked punts, the kick coverage unit has been shaky as well. Add that to an ineffective returning game and you have yourself the biggest weakness on this ball club.
OHIO STATE STRENGTHS
- Defensive line, defensive backs
Despite having star linebacker Brian Rolle, who has made clutch play after clutch play this season, Ohio State's defense is led by their line and secondary. The Buckeyes' defensive line is led by ends Thaddeus Gibson and Cameron Heyward, who make up the best group of ends in the Big Ten. Both are juniors are could be first day picks in next year's NFL Draft if they decide to come out.
Kurt Coleman will be the leader of the Ohio State defensive backfield. The senior was the team's returning leader in tackles and interceptions and has made just as many big plays this year. He's an absolute ballhawk and will make Clark think twice before throwing his way. The rest of the secondary is solid and with an improving Penn State receiving corps, it'll be interesting to see who comes out on top.
OHIO STATE WEAKNESSES
- Quarterback, Offensive Line, Kicker
Terrelle Pryor returns to Pennyslvania for the first time in his career. He'll face a hostile crowd who still have the bitter taste in their mouths after the former state champion from Jeanette chose the Buckeyes over the Nittany Lions two year ago. Although Pryor has shown some flashes this year, critics have realy been on his case for his inconsistent play. If he comes out with confidence, then the Penn State secondary will be on their heels the entire game. However, if he plays like he did against Purdue, this might be a blowout in favor of the home team.
The offensive line isn't the greatest group in the Big Ten and is suspect to giving up big games to good defensive linemen. Crawford and/or Odrick could be really dominate and disrupt Pryor's progressions in the passing game. With Aaron Pettrey out for the rest of the season, the Buckeyes will break in a brand new kicker and Jim Tressel might a tough decision during the game. Will he trust his new guy in field goal situations?
PENN STATE X-FACTOR
- LB Sean Lee
Lee is mainly a sigh of relief for the Penn State faithful. Finally healthy again, he is a major upgrade over Gbadyu, who started against Iowa and was horrible. Lee had a very nice game back last week at Northwestern and he's licking his chops for his first shot at Boom Herron or Brandon Saine.
OHIO STATE X-FACTOR
- QB Terrelle Pryor
Yes, he's been inconsistent. However, you can't deny the young sophomore's athletism. He can take off at any time and beat most defensive backs in a footrace, but he also can be very hesitant and will take the sack. There's a chip on his shoulder since he's returning to PA and I could see him playing very well...or very terrible.
PREDICTION
These two teams are very close to one another in talent. Penn State has had to live with the critics who say that they haven't beaten a good team yet and Ohio State lives with the fact that they haven't defeated a team with a higher ranking than them in the last six matchups. The Nittany Lions come in with a higher ranking and the backing of a loud and fired up home crowd. This will be a great one and Penn State will make it two in a row against the Buckeyes.
Penn State 21, Ohio State 17
