Here we are.
The game I ranked third coming into the 2018 season as Ohio State’s most concerning is upon us. The winner takes the inside lead to the B1G East Division, while the loser has to try to regain lost ground and hope for some help along the way.
Like Ohio State, Penn State comes into this game undefeated. Unlike Ohio State, Penn State has not yet faced a ranked opponent this season. Even though TCU has fallen out of the rankings, the Buckeyes can draw upon some previous challenging moments while on the road, and that could help in what promises to be a hostile, well-hydrated Beaver Stadium on Saturday night.
Here are three things to keep an eye on Saturday night, as your ears will undoubtedly be repeatedly subjected to that dreadful Nittany Lion roar repeatedly Saturday night.
Penn State’s Defense Has Lots Of Bend…
And I am not sure if there is any break. Here are the final scores of Penn State’s closest games in 2018: Penn State 45, Appalachian State 38 in overtime; and Penn State 63, Illinois 24. Combined sacks in those games = 3. Combined interceptions in those games = 3. Where Penn State has had success, which could be concerning for Ohio State and its running game, are tackles for loss, as the Nittany Lions had 11.5 in those wins.
Miles Sanders Is Not Saquon Barkley…
And that is a concern, because Sanders is a better between the tackles runner than Barkley was. Sanders was a 5-star recruit who spurned Ohio State. He is listed at 5’11”, 215 pounds and is averaging 7.0 yards per carry. Granted, 200 of Sanders’ 495 yards rushing in 2018 came last week at Illinois, but Sanders’ worst game this season still resulted in 86 yards in the 63-10 rout of Kent State. The Ohio State linebackers have to play better than they have so far this season, or Sanders will be able to make them pay dearly.
Who Gets To Cover Juwan Johnson?
Listed 6’4″, 231 pounds, and averaging 11.8 yards per reception, Johnson is a physical matchup problem for the Ohio State secondary. I am not sure what the Ohio State defensive coaching strategy is for covering Johnson, but I nominate Shaun Wade, as those of you who listened to the latest Silver Bullets Podcast will be able to verify. Wade is listed at 6’1″, 195 pounds, and could play the physical game against Johnson that the secondary will need on Saturday night.
