Saturday, when Penn State visits Ohio State, all eyes will be on the game. It’s #3 vs #9 and the winner will likely be the Big Ten Champion and BCS-bound.
I can write about the implications of this game for days and days, but I’d just end up saying the same thing that every other Buckeye and Lion blog will say.
I’ll be focused heavily on the game, too. But my eyes will focus harder when the ball approaches a very special section of the field.
That part of the field? the 39-yard line closest to the closed end of the stadium. The precise spot? Just above the painted zero (of the “40″) on the east side of the field (visitors sideline). I adore that exact spot of the field, and if you’re a Penn State fan, that same spot should strike a LOT of fear in your hearts.
Because in 2002, on that exact spot of the field, Chris Gamble picked off a Zack Mills pass, found the sideline, then cut back towards the center of the field, dodging his way into the end zone, beating the Lions 10-7.
It was a classic play from an amazing DB. The INT was crucial enough, but the way Gamble found his way to the end zone was simply spectacular. That play was replayed over and over again in Buckeye homes as they went 8-0 in the Big Ten.
But that special place on the field wasn’t done sinking Penn State. When the Lions returned to the Shoe in 2006, QB Anthony Morelli threw to the wrong area again. Malcolm Jenkins picked it off at the same spot, found the sideline, then cut back towards the center of the field, dodging his way into the end zone, beating the Lions 28-6.
Once again, a Buckeye CB not only made a great INT, but took it all the way back for a pick-six and led the Buckeyes to an 8-0 Big Ten season.
When Penn State visits Ohio State this Saturday, watch that spot on the field. Lightning doesn’t usually strike the same spot twice. But when it does, it’s because there’s something special about that spot. Lightning will strike that same spot again.
And if it does, look for another pick-six and another 8-0 Big Ten season and a championship.
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