If this scene is what somewhat resembles Beaver Stadium on Saturday afternoon, then you know this is truly is a big game. And I love it.
Trips to Happy Valley are generally not always what the location would imply (I can attest to that...my trip in 2007 was blatant false advertisement. It was NOT that happy for me before the game began), although OSU has Penn State's number in this series by a count of 10-6 since the Nittany Lions joined the Big Ten in the early 1990's.
The fans are typically belligerent, highly passionate and always loud for the big games. In other words, if the stereotypical Ohio State fan looks in the mirror, they might as well call themselves a follower of the Joe Pa cult. The two fan bases are highly similar, even though the prospect of having more to do in Columbus is what sets the two groups apart. Drinking in the middle of nowhere isn't exactly always on the to-do list for Buckeyes. But I digress....
The Universities are similar. The stadiums are similar (all can hold 106,000 or more). The coaches are similar in how they represent their programs nation wide. The traditions are somewhat similar (OSU dominates the historical aspect of this rivalry). In short, this is always such a heated contest due to how similar these two programs are and how close in relation to distance they are from one another. Ohio and Pennsylvania just aren't the best of friends.
I guess what happens on the field is all that matters, and it should be a hell of a defensive contest. Both defenses have established a reputation for forcing a good amount of turnovers and being able to get to the quarterback. The only difference between these two defenses is that PSU gives up less points per game, although OSU gets more turnovers. But here is the kicker: Penn State scores more points off of their turnovers. Why??? This is isn't going to come as a shock to you, but the Lions have a better offense than the Buckeyes.
Darryl Clark should have been preseason player of the year, but instead Pryor received the honor (look how that has turned out). The running game is better than the Buckeyes, with RB Evan Royster looking to garner All-Big Ten honors this season with 859 yards and 5 touchdowns. The receivers are tall and athletic, which gives PSU many options in the red zone (oh, and they are one of the best teams in the country in red zone production). All in all, despite a younger offensive line, Penn State seems to have a distinct advantage on offense.
If Ohio State turns the ball over twice in this game, chances are that Penn State is going to score at least one touchdown off of it. Notice I didn't say that the Bucks will definitely lose if two turnovers are committed. The reasoning behind that is simple: OSU has a better defense. Who is to say that if OSU commits two turnovers, the defense doesn't force PSU to commit three? This will more than certainly be a defensively dominate game, and Ohio State has had more roar on that side of the ball than the Nittany Lions have all season long. I am more than banking on a defensive or special teams touchdown in this game for Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes.
If Pryor can keep the chains moving with his legs, the I-formation will been seen more and more as the Buckeyes bread and butter. From there, they can run the ball with a fullback leading the way with either Saine, Boom or Hall getting the carries, or Pryor can roll out and make a play with his feet or, better yet, throw out of the bootleg! Crazy concept...
I have a gut feeling that this game will come down to a field goal or two, and Devin Barclay didn't exactly look appealing in that category this past Saturday against New Mexico State. If it comes down to a field goal, I like the Lions to squeak out a victory. Otherwise, take the Buckeyes to spring the upset in Happy Valley based off of outstanding defensive play and forcing Darryl Clark to throw some ill advised passes to All-Big Ten safety Kurt Coleman. From there, Pryor will orchestrate at least one big touchdown drive and the rest will be history.
I know that the defense will rise to the occasion, but will the offense? Stay tuned for that one, but I have read some things stating that some tricks could be up Jim Tressel's sweater vest tomorrow afternoon....
Prediction:
Ohio State- 17
Penn State- 10
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