Saturday Spotlight
(2) Ohio State Buckeyes at (13) Penn State Nittany Lions
Ohio State: I remember when I was previewing divisions during the Summer, I got to the Big Ten East and I could’ve gone in one or two directions. Go with the Michigan Wolverines because they did win the division and the conference championship last season, or, pick the team that ran the conference for years up until last season. I remember saying watch for that team in Columbus because they remember how their season ended last year and they would come in with a serious chip on their shoulder. So far, they’ve proven me right. Last weekend, I was asked a series of questions and I remember saying this is the best team in college football that I’ve seen this year. The Buckeyes are a legit choice to win the entire thing. That offense shows each week why it’s the best in the nation. C.J. Stroud controls the game, they’ve been better at running the football and the receiving core has stepped up in the absence of Jaxson Smith-Njigba. Ohio State has also been able to run the football which I said would be key for them if they wanted to make any type of noise this year. This offense has no flaws as far as I’m concerned. Their defense has also stepped it up and played well all year which I was wondering how they’d be coming into the year because they weren’t good at any point last year, especially against the run. I remember when I was watching their game a few weeks back against the Wisconsin Badgers. Though they built up a big lead, I noticed the intensity with which they were still playing. You would think they were trailing by the energy on display. Today, they’ll make a trip to Beaver Stadium.
Penn State: They rebounded nicely after a thumping against Michigan at the Big House a few weeks ago. Against the Minnesota Golden Gophers last weekend, they forced them to become overly reliant on their ground attack and I understand they didn’t have Tanner Morgan under center at Quarterback, but kudos to the defense for making them a one-dimensional football team. Last weekend was the best I’ve see Sean Clifford look as a passer. Talk about being locked in, he completed 23 of his 31 pass attempts for 295 yards with four touchdown passes and one interception. This is the control I always talk about seeing Sean in when it comes to the game because he’s been depended upon a lot to hurt teams with his arm and his legs, (similar to how the Bills use Josh Allen). Throughout the year, the Penn State Nittany Lions have been productive on the ground with Running Backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. The two Freshman have formed a nice duo out of the backfield. Besides the win, they passed the trap test and didn’t settle meaning they kept their foot on the necks of Minnesota and didn’t overlook them because teams tend to do that. Overlook who’s in front of them and look to who’s coming to town the following week. Anyone can be beat in this game as I always say. The best thing Penn State did last weekend was getting the vertical passing game going. After the trashing by Michigan, the defense was able to regroup and get back to playing that stingy brand of football. Today, they welcome Ryan Day and those Buckeyes to town.
Ohio State X-Factor: TreVeyon Henderson– I can appreciate how they’re getting him the football more I think he’s key if the Buckeyes want to bring another title back to Columbus. Think about it, every year they’ve won a natty, the running game was key. Ezekiel Elliott back in 2014-15 and 20 years ago, Maurice Clarett was a key difference maker. TreVeyon is an electric Running Back with patience, vision and explosiveness. I like his willingness to block in pass protection. Watch how Penn State puts all the attention on Stroud that it opens lanes up for TreVeyon.
Penn State X-Factor: Joey Porter Jr.– I see the same energy in him that I saw in his dad. Joey is a pure athlete! He’s such a fundamentally gifted football player and he’s not your typical cornerback. Yes, he travels with the best receiver, and he can stay with them step for step. Whether it’s man coverage or zone, he’s such a force on the field. Joey is always on his a-game. He’s excellent at defending the back shoulder routes which is a common play in football today. Against the run, Joey gets to the ball and makes tackles. He can also come on corner blitzes and get to the Quarterback.
Final Thoughts: As of late, the Buckeyes have dominated this matchup. The last time Penn State beat Ohio State, it was October of 2016. The Buckeyes were then the second-ranked team in the country and Penn State upset them en route to winning the division and Big Ten championship. The matchup I’ll be zooming in on is Marvin Harrison Jr against Joey Porter Jr! This is going to be a battle! Offensively, Penn State must win the Time of Possession battle. That’s the best formula when facing an elite offense of Ohio State’s caliber. The Nittany Lions defense must get pressure on Stroud and force him into ill-timed passes. Ohio State’s secondary has dealt with the injury bug throughout the year. I expect them to be tested by these Nittany Lion wideouts. I won’t be surprised if this is a dogfight going into the second half. Ohio State has too much firepower on both sides of the ball and they’re playing really well.
Prediction: Ohio State 40, Penn State 21
