The one we’ve been waiting for! This Saturday night Penn State (5-1) will take their five game winning streak into the Horseshoe for the first ever black out as they face the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes.
Overview
The Nittany Lions will leave the state of Pennsylvania for the first time all year, as they head to Ohio State for their toughest road test all season. The Buckeyes are the defending national champions and haven’t lost a game since last September. For the first time all season, Penn State will be the underdog.
Notes
Location- Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Time- 8PM(EST)
Television- ABC
Opponent- Ohio State Buckeyes (#1)
Line- Ohio State is a 19 point favorite
Last Meeting- 31-24 2OT Ohio State (2014)
Injuries- Akeel Lynch(out), Saquon Barkley(questonable)
Visitors- It’s an away game so stay tuned
Last Thoughts
Penn State’s defense has a lot to worry about. Ezekiel Elliot may be one of the best running backs in the nation. They run a two QB system with JT Barrett and Cardale Jones. Jones is the theoretical starter, but Barrett sees most of the snaps in the red zone. The Lions will have to account for the running ability of both QBs. Last time Christian Hackenberg entered Ohio Stadium he was a freshman and left losing 63-14. Probably the worst losses of the century for the Lions. Last year was much different, as Penn State overcame a 17 point deficit to send the game to OT, ultimately losing in double OT, 31-24. Hackenberg will have to step up big time if the Lions have any chance of winning, especially if Barkley is a no go again. One thing works in Penn State’s favor, Ohio State isn’t getting off to the best of starts in games. Virginia Tech, Indiana, Maryland, and Northern Illinois, all at one point led or tied Ohio State in the first half. Penn State is getting off to good starts, but not finishing the second half well. If the Lions get an early lead, things could be interesting. The offensive line will face a tough task against Joey Bosa and company. The game will come down to wether or not Hackenberg is protected, when he is, he’s been good, whether or not the defense can shut down Elliot and make Jones throw. Jones has turned the ball over all year and all it takes is one turnover to turn the tide in the game. I’m not going to predict an upset, but don’t be too surprised if it happens. If Barkley plays, it could open things up for the passing game. If Nassib, Zettel, Johnson, Cabinda, and Bell can get pressure and stop the run, then Allen, Lucas and company might be able to get their hands on a ball or two. I do see it being close in the first half, but the Buckeyes pull away in the 3rd, Penn State’s Achilles heel this year is playing badly in the 3rd (13 points in the 3rd all year). The environment will be hostile and the nation will be watching, let’s hope Penn State can shock the world.
Prediction: Penn State 17 Ohio State 28
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