Let’s just be clear and get this out there right away — there are more than five things to watch for this weekend. I admit it.
But since the internet is limited in size and scope, we also need to be limited with what we talk about regarding Saturday night’s game between Ohio State and Penn State.
The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions will have a national audience watching and every play could be the one that swings the outcome. On paper, Ohio State looks like they have more playmakers, but Beaver Stadium at night has a way of evening the odds.
This is the game that sets the tone for the rest of the season. The implications are massive. Where things go now depends on the outcome Saturday night.
And all that jazz.
So what should we be watching for? Plenty.
1. Ohio State protecting Dwayne Haskins.
The Ohio State offensive line has graded out as Champions every week of the season, save for left guard Malcolm Pridgeon missing the grade once. They have protected Dwayne Haskins very well, allowing him to be sacked just three times this season — and never more than once in a game. If they hold to that standard Saturday night, the Buckeyes should do pretty well. Haskins is basically a supervillain. If you give him time to plan, he will destroy you. And he has plenty of henchmen around him to help get the job done.
2. Can the Buckeyes establish the run?
Ohio State is moving the ball like crazy, but the passing game is overshadowing the running game. The Buckeyes have been held under 200 yards rushing twice this season. Some of that is by design and some of that is by lack of massive holes to run through. The good news, however, is that a slow start is typical for the Buckeye running game. The better news is that Penn State has played against two Power 5 opponents and given up exactly 245 yards rushing both times. Pittsburgh and Illinois have a combined two wins over FBS opponents this season. They’re not powerhouses. If Pitt and the Illini can run the ball on the Nittany Lion defense, then it would follow that the Buckeyes can do the same. And if they can, then this baby’s over, this race.
3. Reading is fundamental.
Penn State’s ability to win this game will be greatly enhanced by quarterback Trace McSorley’s ability to properly read the Ohio State defense. He is an effective runner on the read-option and just as effective as a thrower on the run-pass option. Free safety Jordan Fuller will be matched up in the slot and the Buckeyes are comfortable with that. Defending the tight end, however, will generally be a linebacker and if there are some run-pass reads involving the tight ends, then the linebackers will need to be ready. Penn State is leading the Big Ten in rushing, and much of that is because of the one-two punch of McSorley and running back Miles Sanders. If the Buckeyes can’t contain the running game, then Penn State will control the clock and limit OSU’s possessions.
4. The spy game.
With Trace McSorley having the ability to stretch plays past the line of scrimmage, the Buckeyes will employ a spy at times. That duty will fluctuate generally between outside linebackers Pete Werner and Malik Harrison. Both players need to be capable of tracking McSorley down from behind or in the open field. They will also need to choose wisely when to attack and force his hand.
5. Gotta be smarter.
If the Ohio State defense holds on third down and forces a punt, there can’t be a flag thrown negating the third-down stop. That’s as good as a turnover. When Jeff Okudah turns back for the football and intercepts Trace McSorley, that play can’t be negated by an offsides call. Holding on the offense will happen. Other mistakes will happen as well. But the self-inflicted stuff will be too costly in this game. Each play could be the key to victory and losing that play due to a foolish penalty is not what great teams do.