The Penn State Football Show

This game doesn't have as much hype as some of the recent PSU-OSU games since both teams have at least one loss and Ohio State already has two. In fact, is this the first time since 2004 that GameDay will not be at the PSU OSU game? Regardless, this game still has enormous implications. People don't realize that if Ohio State wins out, they win the Big Ten and go to the Rose Bowl. Of course that would require wins over PSU, Iowa, and Michigan.

I expect a similar game to the one we see every year between these two. Very close, low scoring, strong defense, conservative playcalling, points at a premium. I think the fact that Ohio State's kicker is hurt will play a HUGE factor in this game. It always comes down to the kicking game, and that could hurt them. I don't know how much faith they have in the other kid. He is untested. They may go for it on fourth when they normally would not.

I think the key to the game will be PSU's offensive line. This unit has been getting better each week since they got destroyed by Iowa. This will be the best d-line they have faced since then though, so I'm anxious to see how they hold up. If Ohio State is able to be as desruptive as Iowa was, Penn State will have a hard time scoring points.

I don't think Ohio State's offense will have much success against Penn State's defense. They contained Pryor last year, and I expect them to again this year. As long as Penn State doesn't drop the ball, they should be able to get a few interceptions.

The fact that Ohio State already has two losses makes me worried that they might play like they have nothing to lose and take some shots they normally would not. This could work in their favor. I'd love to see Penn State play that way as well, but don't expect them to. It's frustrating when they are satisfied with sitting on a 3-point lead instead of trying to put up more points, but it has worked in the past and could work this year again.

Thanks to Ryan Frankeny, I will be at the game. Gotta love that kid. Let's Go State!