To preview Penn State vs. Ohio State, it’s showtime in State College. On Saturday, the third-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions will host the fourth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. This is Penn State’s fifth Big Ten contest of the season, and they will look to stay undefeated. The Nittany Lions defeated Wisconsin 28-13 on the road last week. This contest represents the pinnacle of the toughest stretch of the Penn State schedule. With the quarterback position a question mark because of Drew Allar’s injury, head coach James Franklin needs to rely on the rest of the roster to carry this game. Following Ohio State, Penn State will take on Washington at home before traveling to Purdue.
The Buckeyes enter the game with a record of 6-1, and are 3-1 in their Big Ten games. Their only defeat came at the hands of #1 Oregon in a thriller. Ohio State will be looking for a statement win this weekend. Coach Ryan Day and his Buckeyes are also looking to right the ship in a way. After a dominant start to the year, Ohio State lost the game to Oregon in Eugene. Then, following a bye week, they picked up a win at home against Nebraska. However, they trailed in the fourth quarter of the game.
#4 Ohio State (6-1) at #3 Penn State (7-0) Preview
When & Where: Saturday, November 2, 12:00 pm ET, at Penn State (Beaver Stadium)
Last Game’s Results: Penn State won at Wisconsin by a score of 28-13. Ohio State beat Nebraska at home by a score of 21-17.
Last Season’s Results: Penn State finished ranked #13 after a 10-3 season that ended with a Peach Bowl loss to Ole Miss. Ohio State was #10, with a record of 11-2 overall, including a 14-3 loss to #8 Missouri in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
Series History: Ohio State leads the series all-time by a 23 to eight margin. The teams met last season when Ohio State won 20-12. Penn State’s most recent win against the Buckeyes was in 2016.
Penn State vs. Ohio State Preview: Nittany Lions to Watch
Head Coach James Franklin
James Franklin has done a good job representing Penn State and is signed to a long-term contract. The university has confidence in him to lead the program moving forward. However, he needs to win the big games to cement his legacy. His ability to overcome a recurring problem, and use a risk as an opportunity, will be key this week.
The Competition
To be known as one of the best coaches in the country, Franklin must beat the best. Ohio State has proven to be a very difficult opponent for Franklin and Penn State to conquer. Day has won all six contests against the Nittany Lions. As Penn State has welcomed Andy Kotelnicki this season as the new offensive coordinator, Ohio State has brought in Chip Kelly to run the offense. His creativity will challenge Tom Allen’s defense.
Sluggish Starts
Penn State has shown, on multiple occasions this season, an inability to get off to fast starts in games. They either trail early or are far behind in the time of possession battle. This dynamic put pressure to execute flawlessly later in those games. So far, it has worked out. However, against an opponent like Ohio State, a slow start could spell disaster.
Allar/Pribula: QB or Not QB?
The quarterback position is a risk for Penn State following Allar’s injury. In his Monday press conference this week, Franklin suggested that the decision on who will start at quarterback for Penn State will come down to the wire. It will likely be a game-time decision. Strategically, this could be an advantage for Franklin. Both Allar and Beau Pribula are talented but bring different skill sets. Allar has a rocket for an arm. Pribula can be a rocket taking off from the pocket as a running quarterback. In the win over Wisconsin, both quarterbacks were successful. Even if Allar starts, Pribula should see some snaps to change things up. Franklin and Kotelnicki should look to exploit the uncertainty.
Franklin’s chances to break through against Ryan Day are good. Ohio State enters in a (relative) slump. The Buckeyes need to prepare for two different quarterbacks in Allar and Pribula. Franklin needs to get Penn State off to a fast start in this game. This will show the opponent, the fans, and his own team that this season is different.
Offensive Tackle Drew Shelton
When there is instability and uncertainty at the quarterback position, it is imperative for the offensive line to step up. However, that is a bit more complicated than normal for Penn State this week. The line is dealing with their own injuries, but still needs to be a rock in this game.
As the left tackle, junior Drew Shelton is charged with protecting the blind side for both Allar and Pribula. Giving the quarterback enough time to go through his progressions is important, especially against a defense like Ohio State’s. When Pribula enters the game, even when he scrambles he will need lanes to escape through.
It would be very easy to put more of the onus on star running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. No matter who plays quarterback, handing the ball off to arguably the best running back tandem in the country makes things a lot easier. However, without strong run blocking from the offensive line, there is only so much the back can do.
The offensive line suffered its own injury concern against Wisconsin. Anthony Donkoh missed significant time against the Badgers. If he is unable to go in this game, Nolan Rucci should get the majority of snaps in his place. Importantly, Shelton will need to step up as a leader on the offensive line to fortify their play.
