The Penn State Football Show

I was watching some youtube clip the other day from 2005 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjJ86bKIUA8) and the atmosphere was unreal. Penn State had not been 5-0 for 6 years, and every Penn State fan was hungry for a big win. It was undoubtedly the best sporting event I have ever attended, and the whole week before the game the entire campus had nothing on their mind except the game. This weekend I truly hope that the students bring that same intensity and get up for this game, because this win could mean a BCS game for Penn State. This game has been all I could think about for the past week and that's been a huge distraction for my studying, but now my test is over, and here I am on the blog. The past two wins by PSU over Ohio State have been marked by big defensive plays. In 2005 the Calvin Lowry interception, the great play of Poz, and of course the sack by Tamba Hali (where after the play he walked off the field like they stopped Akron on third down in the second quarter...what a guy). Last year Rubin made the big play and this year again I feel that a big defensive play will turn the tides.

Ohio State is a good team with a great defense. Their offense hasn't been able to get on track, but they have the ability to put up a lot of points. Tressel and Pryor's mistakes have limited this. Penn State did an amazing job last year stopping the run, a necessity for this Ohio State team to succeed, and they should be able to do the same this year. The run defense has improved from last year to this year, and last year despite only surrendering 6 points, they gave up a large chunk through the air. Pryor will get his yards this year, but he will also throw a pick or two. As long as the secondary can keep everything in front of them, they will be fine. Pryor has the ability to make great passes, but only sometimes, and they need to make sure that when he does make a good throw, they don't get any extra yards.

On the offensive side of the ball, Pete nailed it. This offensive line has improved, but they haven't seen this kind of tenacity on the defensive line since Iowa. I loved the play call on the first play of the game against Iowa, and I expect to see some more of the quick passing game to open this one up. This should give Penn State some more nickel coverage and allow the offensive line to handle only six or seven in the box. Purdue was able to throw the ball successfully so that is where the attack needs to be made. Establish the pass and then run. I would like to see a few runs by Clark early on as well, and Beachum will hopefully be able to see some more time. He's a bruiser.

As for the loss of their kicker, like Pete said...this is huge. Especially for Tressel and especially in the OSU-PSU game. Their new guy missed a few field goals against New Mexico State so look for them to go for it on 4th between the 20 and 30 yard lines. Pryor is pretty jacked up for this game and there has been a lot of hype about him returning to PA and all that jazz. This to go along with the whole t-shirt situation have probably given him a lot of things to think about. I bet he comes out trying to make every play a touchdown and makes some early mistakes. Penn State needs to capitalize on these mistakes and try and get 7 on the board....not like what happened last week vs. Northwestern where they got a gift-wrapped fumble and only came away with a field goal. Go for the jugular!

Watching that youtube clip I linked above gave me the shivers. That was the most electric crowd I have ever seen, and at that point in time Kirk Herbstreit was right about us having the best student section. Nothing could have matched that intensity and passion for their team to win. I wish so badly that I could witness this game because I feel like the passion will return. A crappy out of conference schedule and dismal weather have held Penn State fans at bay, but clear skies and a 5:05 PM sunset will unleash the beast within. Penn State is the better team this year and they have so much leadership in key positions that I feel they will come away with a victory in this one. It will be close as everyone with an X and Y chromosome could tell you, but if Penn State can get up early, don't be surprised to see some wheels fall off for Ohio State. They are in a fragile state, and after losing to Purdue they have righted the ship...but one more log pulled out of their Jenga set, might just send them tumbling. Let's get it in