Where: Ohio Stadium
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC Regional
The above image is just a glance into what the aftermath of the 2008 meeting with Penn State in the Shoe was like following a 13-9 loss to the Nittany Lions. I doubt such drama and sadness will ensue the game on Saturday. Although the last time PSU came into Columbus they were able to beat the Buckeyes, they still have not been able to win in Ohio's capital city too often. They are 1-7 since joining the Big Ten in 1993 when playing the Buckeyes in the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium, so chances are that OSU will win this game even without looking at the facts or rankings. Update: I just looked at the stats and rankings, and I'm very confident that Penn State will lose this game.
This will always be a challenging game from a physical perspective for both teams, however there is no denying that OSU has some major advantages over their rivals. Penn State may be playing better football but they still lack playmaking ability at wide receiver and have had shaky offensive line play all season - eh, it's been more about average QB play that anything, but regardless they have been average on offense. Former walk-on Matt McGloin will start for the Nittany Lions after playing very well the past two weeks against less than formidable defenses. This will be a whole new ball game for him, so look for him to commit at least two turnovers against the Silver Bullet defense. PSU, due to spotty coverage, will give up a lot of big plays in the intermediate passing game so guys like Dane Sanzenbacher, DeVier Posey, Jake Stoneburner, running backs like Boom Herron and Jordan Hall, and even Brandon Saine could see some big plays potentially open up throughout the game for them.
I believe that Terrelle Pryor will have his best game in November as Ohio State's quarterback on Saturday, thus leading the Buckeyes to a big win over their cross-state rivals. It will be physical, but PSU's inability to run the ball with stud RB Evan Royster will make all the difference as Pryor rushes for a score and throws for three more en route to a big time win in the Shoe.
Bring on Iowa.
Prediction:
Ohio State- 38
Penn State- 13
No comments:
Post a Comment