3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
2005 Penn State Nittany Lions Game Preview
written by: BB73, Bucklion, daddyphatsacs, Hubbard,
Jaxbuck, LordJeffBuck, and 3yardsandacloud
written by: BB73, Bucklion, daddyphatsacs, Hubbard,
Jaxbuck, LordJeffBuck, and 3yardsandacloud
Well, the Buckeyes and College Gameday are headed to Happy Valley this Saturday for a night game in Beaver Stadium. There are several numbers that are relevant to the upcoming battle.
40 - The number of seasons that JoePa has been the head coach at Penn State. That's longer than most of the folks reading this preview have been alive. This may also be close to the over/under betting line for total points scored in this game. (Of course, Buckeye Planet only encourages vWagers).
78 - Joe Paterno's actual age. It also identifies the speed for most of the albums in his record collection. It's just a rumor that JoePa thinks an iPod is something they work on during cataract surgery. If he coaches in a bowl game after his birthday on December 21st, he'll be 79.
324 - The number of games that JoePa had won after Zack Mills led a 29-27 comeback victory over tOSU in 2001. That gave JoePa the major college coaching record, breaking a tie with Bear Bryant. He has since been passed by Bobby Bowden, since the NCAA allows Bowden to count his 31 victories at Howard College (now 1-AA Samford University). JoePa's total now stands at 348, which is also the model number for a Ferrari that doesn't really fit his image.
1 1/2 inches - The distance that Tony Johnson's feet were clearly in-bounds by, late in regulation time in the 2002 overtime loss to Iowa; after which JoePa famously chased down the referee leaving the field. This play was instrumental in getting the Big-10 to adopt instant replay. The distance may also indicate the thickness of Joe's glasses, but he did see that play more clearly than the referees.
$250,000 - Amount donated by Mr. and Mrs. JoePa to the University Library. They also helped raised $13.5 for library construction funds. A wing was renamed the Paterno Library to recognize their efforts.
5-0 - Penn State's record this year, their best start since the 1999 season began with 9 straight wins until Minnesota got the big upset in State College. The squad got some revenge for JoePa last week.
10-10 - The all-time record between tOSU and Penn State. The Nittany Lions won the first 4 games, which were all in Columbus, so tOSU has never led in the series. This includes Penn State winning 4 of the 6 games played in the shadow of Mt. Nittany since they joined the Big 10 in 1993.
1 - The number of times it takes a Buckeye fan to hear the Lion's roar blasting out of the speakers in Beaver Stadium in order to hate it.
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->40 - The number of seasons that JoePa has been the head coach at Penn State. That's longer than most of the folks reading this preview have been alive. This may also be close to the over/under betting line for total points scored in this game. (Of course, Buckeye Planet only encourages vWagers).
78 - Joe Paterno's actual age. It also identifies the speed for most of the albums in his record collection. It's just a rumor that JoePa thinks an iPod is something they work on during cataract surgery. If he coaches in a bowl game after his birthday on December 21st, he'll be 79.
324 - The number of games that JoePa had won after Zack Mills led a 29-27 comeback victory over tOSU in 2001. That gave JoePa the major college coaching record, breaking a tie with Bear Bryant. He has since been passed by Bobby Bowden, since the NCAA allows Bowden to count his 31 victories at Howard College (now 1-AA Samford University). JoePa's total now stands at 348, which is also the model number for a Ferrari that doesn't really fit his image.
1 1/2 inches - The distance that Tony Johnson's feet were clearly in-bounds by, late in regulation time in the 2002 overtime loss to Iowa; after which JoePa famously chased down the referee leaving the field. This play was instrumental in getting the Big-10 to adopt instant replay. The distance may also indicate the thickness of Joe's glasses, but he did see that play more clearly than the referees.
$250,000 - Amount donated by Mr. and Mrs. JoePa to the University Library. They also helped raised $13.5 for library construction funds. A wing was renamed the Paterno Library to recognize their efforts.
5-0 - Penn State's record this year, their best start since the 1999 season began with 9 straight wins until Minnesota got the big upset in State College. The squad got some revenge for JoePa last week.
10-10 - The all-time record between tOSU and Penn State. The Nittany Lions won the first 4 games, which were all in Columbus, so tOSU has never led in the series. This includes Penn State winning 4 of the 6 games played in the shadow of Mt. Nittany since they joined the Big 10 in 1993.
1 - The number of times it takes a Buckeye fan to hear the Lion's roar blasting out of the speakers in Beaver Stadium in order to hate it.
Date and Time
Game time: Saturday, October 8th, 2005
7:45 PM EDT Kick-off at Beaver Stadium (University Park, PA)
ESPN will cover the game with the Gameday crew in town.
7:45 PM EDT Kick-off at Beaver Stadium (University Park, PA)
ESPN will cover the game with the Gameday crew in town.
2005 Penn State Nittany Lions Offensive Preview
Returning starters: 8
Well, it's rivalry time again, and though not as intense as the Michigan rivalry, this series has had bad blood, blowouts, close games, record wins, road wins ... a little of everything. It is a difficult task to evaluate the Nittany Lion offense. After having easily one of the worst units in school history last year (total yards were 310.7/game, 104th in the nation). Scoring was abysmal, averaging a paltry 17.7 ppg, good for only 109th in the country. When considering that the national rank of the rushing game was 81st, and the passing attack was 90th, there was absolutely nothing good to say about this unit in any way, shape, or form. Enter 2005, with a more open game plan, a mobile QB, and a bevy of freshman playmakers, and there is evidence that the Lion offense will be back to acceptable levels ... if never again reaching the standard-bearing year of 1994. This season to this point, the 468.6 yards a contest is good for 55th in the nation, not great, but a staggering improvement over last season. The rushing game has especially been better, averaging 224.6 yards a game, good for 14th nationally. The passing yards have been respectable (55th in the nation) and the offense is finally generating some points (36.6, 22nd nationally) to the tune of more than doubling last year's production ... so far. Buoyed by a good defense, this unit doesn't have to dominate ... but they need to keep the D off the field, control the clock, hit a big play once in a while, and above all else, improve on last year's dismal turnover margin (-3). All indications are that this is a unit on the rise, and this weekend's game will be the measuring stick for that premise.
Quarterbacks
QB #12 Michael Robinson (6-2, 217, SR)
Like many Nittany Lion QBs of the past, Robinson has had an up-and-down ride, and it has basically come down to one season for him to write his legacy in the blue and white. Playing behind Zack Mills and with the team desperate for playmakers, Robinson has moved all around the offense the past 3 years, and while the coaches tried to take advantage of his athletic ability, Robinson never found a niche to excel. Now, the QB job is his, and this week will go a long way to determining how he will be remembered in Happy Valley. So far, he has been adequate as a passer, and a dangerous runner, but has turned the ball over way too often, something the Buckeyes will look to exploit. Robinson has completed only 52% of his 123 pass attempts, for 1030 yards, 9 TDs, and 6 INTs. His best game passing came against Central Michigan, when he threw for 274 yards and 3 scores to just 1 INT. He threw 3 picks against Northwestern, but really came of age in the second half in leading the team to victory, and that win gave he and the rest of the offense the confidence they needed to go out and dominate Minnesota last week, where he threw for 175 yards (albeit only on 13 completions in 32 attempts) and also rushed for 112. He is the team's second leading rusher with 286 yards, and scored a TD rushing in the first 4 Penn State wins. Basically, the Buckeyes will need to contain his rushing ability, and look to exploit two weaknesses: his historical propensity to fumble (not on display last week) and the fact that a lot of his passes get deflected at the line of scrimmage (very much on display last week). The key for Robinson will be to not force throws, and to maintain his poise in the pocket. The Buckeye front 7 will not make that easy.
The backup is Anthony Morelli, a highly touted QB coming out of high school who will have to wait his turn until next year. He's completed 12 of 18 passes with a TD in garbage time, and he is about as completely opposite of the style of Robinson as one cane get, being more in the Kerry Collins mold.
QB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Michael Robinson versus Troy Smith
Well, here is a great match up. Both QBs will look to do similar things, and both have really picked up their games in recent weeks. Of course the Nittany Lion fans are hopeful that Robinson will give the Buckeyes trouble, Smith seems to have the edge, based on his experience and better supporting cast. The turnover battle at the QB position could be the single biggest key to this game, and then everyone will know who was better ... at least that day.
Edge: Smith
Running Backs
RB #26 Tony Hunt (6-2, 224, JR)
FB #30 BranDon Snow (6-1, 242, JR)
Tony Hunt has had a decent career to this point (777 yards, 7 TDs in 2004) but he just hasn't had that breakout that puts him in the elite category with the rest of Penn State's history of fine college RBs (Harris, Mitchell, Thomas, Carter, Johnson). Still, he has good size, good power, and can surprise defenses with his speed. He has 475 yards and 3 TDs to this point, and is averaging almost 7 yards a carry. His best games have been against the better teams on the schedule so far, as he hit for 140 and a score against South Florida, 99 against Northwestern, and 114 and 2 TDs in a stellar performance last week against Minnesota. Was that his breakout game? We’ll see this week. He has also caught 9 passes for 82 yards, so he can't be overlooked as an outlet for Robinson, either.
Backup Austin Scott has been what can only be described as a disappointment. He has very good talent, but seems to lose focus both on and off the field, and has never lived up to the potential (to this point) that he and the team had hoped. He has just 99 yards and one TD so far. Third on the chart is Rodney Kinlaw, who has 19 yards and a TD this year.
Snow is a big fullback who is pretty much a guard in the backfield (no carries, one catch). He blocks well and does what the team asks him to do. Matt Hahn could also see the field.
RB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Hunt versus Pittman
This one is a tossup. Both backs have looked very good this season, as Pittman has 404 yards to this point but has yet to find the end zone. He racked up 75 against Texas, and torched Iowa for 171, so he has stepped up to the competition as well. Both of these players are monumentally important to their team this week. Both must take some heat off the QB, give the defense one more option to think about on every play, and pick up blitzes as necessary. Both backs are good, and both will do their job well. The winning team will probably be trying to control the ball in the 4th quarter, so the winner will be obvious.
Edge: Even
Wide Receivers
WR #3 Deon Butler (5-10, 167, FR)
WR #2 Derrick Williams (6-0, 195, FR)
Yep, the Nittany Lions are the ultimate youth movement this year, as underachieving veterans have given way to the most exciting group of freshmen receivers in the country. They have speed, agility, can get open, and play with a lot of youthful exuberance. What they don't have is experience, and they haven't been up against big-time corners who will jam them at the line and play a physical game. Still, there is no disputing they are good, but how good? There is only one way to find out, and Saturday is it. Williams was considered by many to be the number one recruit in the country last year, and he hasn't disappointed, catching 15 balls for 219 yards and a score, and rushing 15 times for 87 yards and 2 scores. They get him the ball a lot of ways, and he will be something for the defense to keep their eyes on all night on Saturday. Keep an eye on Butler: he may very well be the best true receiver of the bunch, as evidenced by his 17 catches for 325 yards and 4 TDs; he's had at least 60 yards receiving every game.
Toss in Justin King (3 catches, 97 yards, 2 TDs), Lydell Sargeant (one catch) and Jordan Norwood (10 catches, 124 yards) and it's easy to see why the Nittany faithful are excited about their freshmen. Whether they'll help this week or not could be a different story, but in the long run, things look awfully bright at the position in State College.
Veterans Terrell Golden (2 catches, 66 yards, TD) and Ethan Kilmer (3 catches, 74 yards, TD) provide depth and some experience to help the freshmen when things get tough.
WR Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Butler/Williams/King versus Holmes/Ginn/Gonzalez
The freshman are exciting, and will probably make some big plays Saturday. They will be the ones that get the crowd fired up, and they will be the ones to keep them in the game with big plays if that happens. The veteran Buckeye unit is better in every conceivable way, especially with world-class receiver Santonio Holmes, but don't think that the Nittany Lion receivers can't play.
Edge: Holmes/Ginn/Gonzalez
Tight Ends
TE #87 Isaac Smolko (6-5, 260, SR)
Smolko is a big kid who is a good blocker. He's avoided most of his sporadic "hands of stone" periods this season, and has caught 5 passes for 98 yards, none bigger than on 4th and 15 against Northwestern with the game on the line, on a play that will probably be looked at as saving the Lions' season. He can be an outlet for Robinson and can help block in the spread and the option, both of which they need him to do frequently.
The backup is Patrick Hall, who has caught one pass ... for a TD.
TE Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Smolko versus Hamby
Both of these players are very similar in many ways. Both do many of the same things for their squads, and unfortunately have also dropped some passes at inopportune times. Both have been solid for most of the year, can block pretty well, and can help out with a downfield catch if the coverage is napping.
Edge: Even
Offensive Line
LT #67 Levi Brown (6-5, 322, JR)
LG #59 Charles Rush (6-2, 304, SR)
C #66 Lance Antolick (6-3, 291, SR)
RG #74 Tyler Reed (6-4, 303, SR)
RT #68 John Wilson (6-6, 317, SR)
This veteran unit has been heavily maligned in the past, and mediocre line play has been one reason why the Lion offense has struggled mightily at times. This year, they are playing better. Brown is probably the best of the bunch, and could be a big-time tackle by the time his career is over. The rest of the players are big and physical, not particularly quick, but tough, and able to block the complicated schemes the offense runs with some effectiveness. The trench war will be a classic this week, with the Buckeye front 7 trying to stuff the running game and put pressure on Robinson to throw the ball downfield. If the Lions are going to win, the line must play their best game of the year.
EZ Smith, Andrew Richardson, and Mark Ferris are veteran backups, and AQ Shipley and Greg Harrison are promising freshmen.
OL Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State
Though neither line is considered top-flight, both lines have similar size and toughness, and good upper class leadership. With Mangold, the Buckeyes have the edge, but both lines are going to have their work cut out for them this week. Establishing the running game will be crucial, as will blocking when the play breaks down and the QBs run downfield.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Analysis
The offense for the Nittany Lions is clearly better, now that Galen Hall seems to have complete control and the freshman playmakers can threaten downfield. This is an eclectic mix of raw talent and explosiveness with little experience (WRs), a wealth of experience and a bit less talent (the line) and a backfield that could be great or terrible, depending on the week, the defense, and the execution of the game plan. This is still not an elite offense yet, but they can hurt a good defense for the first time in years, so the Buckeyes will need to have a yeoman-like performance Saturday night to be successful. The Buckeyes won't have the game won with a 14-0 early lead this season as they did last year ... this will be 60 minutes of work.
Overall Offensive Rating: B-
Well, it's rivalry time again, and though not as intense as the Michigan rivalry, this series has had bad blood, blowouts, close games, record wins, road wins ... a little of everything. It is a difficult task to evaluate the Nittany Lion offense. After having easily one of the worst units in school history last year (total yards were 310.7/game, 104th in the nation). Scoring was abysmal, averaging a paltry 17.7 ppg, good for only 109th in the country. When considering that the national rank of the rushing game was 81st, and the passing attack was 90th, there was absolutely nothing good to say about this unit in any way, shape, or form. Enter 2005, with a more open game plan, a mobile QB, and a bevy of freshman playmakers, and there is evidence that the Lion offense will be back to acceptable levels ... if never again reaching the standard-bearing year of 1994. This season to this point, the 468.6 yards a contest is good for 55th in the nation, not great, but a staggering improvement over last season. The rushing game has especially been better, averaging 224.6 yards a game, good for 14th nationally. The passing yards have been respectable (55th in the nation) and the offense is finally generating some points (36.6, 22nd nationally) to the tune of more than doubling last year's production ... so far. Buoyed by a good defense, this unit doesn't have to dominate ... but they need to keep the D off the field, control the clock, hit a big play once in a while, and above all else, improve on last year's dismal turnover margin (-3). All indications are that this is a unit on the rise, and this weekend's game will be the measuring stick for that premise.
Quarterbacks
QB #12 Michael Robinson (6-2, 217, SR)
Like many Nittany Lion QBs of the past, Robinson has had an up-and-down ride, and it has basically come down to one season for him to write his legacy in the blue and white. Playing behind Zack Mills and with the team desperate for playmakers, Robinson has moved all around the offense the past 3 years, and while the coaches tried to take advantage of his athletic ability, Robinson never found a niche to excel. Now, the QB job is his, and this week will go a long way to determining how he will be remembered in Happy Valley. So far, he has been adequate as a passer, and a dangerous runner, but has turned the ball over way too often, something the Buckeyes will look to exploit. Robinson has completed only 52% of his 123 pass attempts, for 1030 yards, 9 TDs, and 6 INTs. His best game passing came against Central Michigan, when he threw for 274 yards and 3 scores to just 1 INT. He threw 3 picks against Northwestern, but really came of age in the second half in leading the team to victory, and that win gave he and the rest of the offense the confidence they needed to go out and dominate Minnesota last week, where he threw for 175 yards (albeit only on 13 completions in 32 attempts) and also rushed for 112. He is the team's second leading rusher with 286 yards, and scored a TD rushing in the first 4 Penn State wins. Basically, the Buckeyes will need to contain his rushing ability, and look to exploit two weaknesses: his historical propensity to fumble (not on display last week) and the fact that a lot of his passes get deflected at the line of scrimmage (very much on display last week). The key for Robinson will be to not force throws, and to maintain his poise in the pocket. The Buckeye front 7 will not make that easy.
The backup is Anthony Morelli, a highly touted QB coming out of high school who will have to wait his turn until next year. He's completed 12 of 18 passes with a TD in garbage time, and he is about as completely opposite of the style of Robinson as one cane get, being more in the Kerry Collins mold.
QB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Michael Robinson versus Troy Smith
Well, here is a great match up. Both QBs will look to do similar things, and both have really picked up their games in recent weeks. Of course the Nittany Lion fans are hopeful that Robinson will give the Buckeyes trouble, Smith seems to have the edge, based on his experience and better supporting cast. The turnover battle at the QB position could be the single biggest key to this game, and then everyone will know who was better ... at least that day.
Edge: Smith
Running Backs
RB #26 Tony Hunt (6-2, 224, JR)
FB #30 BranDon Snow (6-1, 242, JR)
Tony Hunt has had a decent career to this point (777 yards, 7 TDs in 2004) but he just hasn't had that breakout that puts him in the elite category with the rest of Penn State's history of fine college RBs (Harris, Mitchell, Thomas, Carter, Johnson). Still, he has good size, good power, and can surprise defenses with his speed. He has 475 yards and 3 TDs to this point, and is averaging almost 7 yards a carry. His best games have been against the better teams on the schedule so far, as he hit for 140 and a score against South Florida, 99 against Northwestern, and 114 and 2 TDs in a stellar performance last week against Minnesota. Was that his breakout game? We’ll see this week. He has also caught 9 passes for 82 yards, so he can't be overlooked as an outlet for Robinson, either.
Backup Austin Scott has been what can only be described as a disappointment. He has very good talent, but seems to lose focus both on and off the field, and has never lived up to the potential (to this point) that he and the team had hoped. He has just 99 yards and one TD so far. Third on the chart is Rodney Kinlaw, who has 19 yards and a TD this year.
Snow is a big fullback who is pretty much a guard in the backfield (no carries, one catch). He blocks well and does what the team asks him to do. Matt Hahn could also see the field.
RB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Hunt versus Pittman
This one is a tossup. Both backs have looked very good this season, as Pittman has 404 yards to this point but has yet to find the end zone. He racked up 75 against Texas, and torched Iowa for 171, so he has stepped up to the competition as well. Both of these players are monumentally important to their team this week. Both must take some heat off the QB, give the defense one more option to think about on every play, and pick up blitzes as necessary. Both backs are good, and both will do their job well. The winning team will probably be trying to control the ball in the 4th quarter, so the winner will be obvious.
Edge: Even
Wide Receivers
WR #3 Deon Butler (5-10, 167, FR)
WR #2 Derrick Williams (6-0, 195, FR)
Yep, the Nittany Lions are the ultimate youth movement this year, as underachieving veterans have given way to the most exciting group of freshmen receivers in the country. They have speed, agility, can get open, and play with a lot of youthful exuberance. What they don't have is experience, and they haven't been up against big-time corners who will jam them at the line and play a physical game. Still, there is no disputing they are good, but how good? There is only one way to find out, and Saturday is it. Williams was considered by many to be the number one recruit in the country last year, and he hasn't disappointed, catching 15 balls for 219 yards and a score, and rushing 15 times for 87 yards and 2 scores. They get him the ball a lot of ways, and he will be something for the defense to keep their eyes on all night on Saturday. Keep an eye on Butler: he may very well be the best true receiver of the bunch, as evidenced by his 17 catches for 325 yards and 4 TDs; he's had at least 60 yards receiving every game.
Toss in Justin King (3 catches, 97 yards, 2 TDs), Lydell Sargeant (one catch) and Jordan Norwood (10 catches, 124 yards) and it's easy to see why the Nittany faithful are excited about their freshmen. Whether they'll help this week or not could be a different story, but in the long run, things look awfully bright at the position in State College.
Veterans Terrell Golden (2 catches, 66 yards, TD) and Ethan Kilmer (3 catches, 74 yards, TD) provide depth and some experience to help the freshmen when things get tough.
WR Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Butler/Williams/King versus Holmes/Ginn/Gonzalez
The freshman are exciting, and will probably make some big plays Saturday. They will be the ones that get the crowd fired up, and they will be the ones to keep them in the game with big plays if that happens. The veteran Buckeye unit is better in every conceivable way, especially with world-class receiver Santonio Holmes, but don't think that the Nittany Lion receivers can't play.
Edge: Holmes/Ginn/Gonzalez
Tight Ends
TE #87 Isaac Smolko (6-5, 260, SR)
Smolko is a big kid who is a good blocker. He's avoided most of his sporadic "hands of stone" periods this season, and has caught 5 passes for 98 yards, none bigger than on 4th and 15 against Northwestern with the game on the line, on a play that will probably be looked at as saving the Lions' season. He can be an outlet for Robinson and can help block in the spread and the option, both of which they need him to do frequently.
The backup is Patrick Hall, who has caught one pass ... for a TD.
TE Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Smolko versus Hamby
Both of these players are very similar in many ways. Both do many of the same things for their squads, and unfortunately have also dropped some passes at inopportune times. Both have been solid for most of the year, can block pretty well, and can help out with a downfield catch if the coverage is napping.
Edge: Even
Offensive Line
LT #67 Levi Brown (6-5, 322, JR)
LG #59 Charles Rush (6-2, 304, SR)
C #66 Lance Antolick (6-3, 291, SR)
RG #74 Tyler Reed (6-4, 303, SR)
RT #68 John Wilson (6-6, 317, SR)
This veteran unit has been heavily maligned in the past, and mediocre line play has been one reason why the Lion offense has struggled mightily at times. This year, they are playing better. Brown is probably the best of the bunch, and could be a big-time tackle by the time his career is over. The rest of the players are big and physical, not particularly quick, but tough, and able to block the complicated schemes the offense runs with some effectiveness. The trench war will be a classic this week, with the Buckeye front 7 trying to stuff the running game and put pressure on Robinson to throw the ball downfield. If the Lions are going to win, the line must play their best game of the year.
EZ Smith, Andrew Richardson, and Mark Ferris are veteran backups, and AQ Shipley and Greg Harrison are promising freshmen.
OL Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State
Though neither line is considered top-flight, both lines have similar size and toughness, and good upper class leadership. With Mangold, the Buckeyes have the edge, but both lines are going to have their work cut out for them this week. Establishing the running game will be crucial, as will blocking when the play breaks down and the QBs run downfield.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Analysis
The offense for the Nittany Lions is clearly better, now that Galen Hall seems to have complete control and the freshman playmakers can threaten downfield. This is an eclectic mix of raw talent and explosiveness with little experience (WRs), a wealth of experience and a bit less talent (the line) and a backfield that could be great or terrible, depending on the week, the defense, and the execution of the game plan. This is still not an elite offense yet, but they can hurt a good defense for the first time in years, so the Buckeyes will need to have a yeoman-like performance Saturday night to be successful. The Buckeyes won't have the game won with a 14-0 early lead this season as they did last year ... this will be 60 minutes of work.
Overall Offensive Rating: B-
2005 Penn State Nittany Lions Defensive Preview
Returning Starters: 9
Ohio State will hit the road this week for the first time this year, with an offense that finally awakened against Iowa two weeks ago. They will be greeted in Happy Valley by a Penn St. squad that is #4 in the Big Ten in scoring defense, surrendering 17 points per contest. The Nittany Lions are currently 3rd in the league in total defense, giving up 314 yards per contest. Penn St. has been very stiff against the run, giving up 85 yards per contest (3rd in Big Ten). They have not fared as well in pass defense, where they are giving up 229 yards per contest (5th in Big Ten). They are second in the league with 14 sacks, and are ranked 7th in defensive red zone efficiency, where they are giving up points 86% of the time their opponent reaches the 20.
This defense has been pretty good to this point, but you also have to take into consideration who they have played. South Florida, Cincinnati, Central Michigan, Northwestern and Minnesota aren't exactly juggernauts. Regardless, Joe Pa will have them ready for the Buckeyes this week, in what should be a very good night ballgame.
Defensive Line
DE # 91 Tamba Hali (6-3, 262, SR)
DT # 13 Jay Alford (6-3, 288, JR)
DT # 41 Scott Paxson (6-5, 292, SR)
DE # 55 Matthew Rice (6-4, 262, SR)
Penn State features a veteran defensive line, which has performed very well to this point. This unit shut down Maroney (RB) from Minnesota last week, and has the potential to shut down the Buckeyes run game. They will be led up front by senior defensive end Tamba Hali. On the season Hali has 21 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, and a team high 3.5 sacks (2nd in Big Ten). In addition, he has broken up 2 passes, and been credited with 1 QB hurry. Hali was a 2nd team All Big Ten performer a year ago, and was tabbed as a preseason All American by some publications. He has excellent quickness, strength, and remarkable athletism for his size. OSU will have to keep tabs on him all night long, because he has the ability to really disrupt the opposing offense.
The other defensive end spot will be filled by yet another veteran, who goes by the name of Matthew Rice. On the season Rice has 25 tackles, including 5.5 for loss (T-1st on team, 3rd in Big Ten). He has also broken up a pass and been credited with 2 QB hurries.
On the interior Penn St. will be led by by Jay Alford. Alford has 14 tackles on the season, including 3.5 for a loss and 2.5 sacks. He has also broken up a pass, and recovered a fumble. Alford has excellent size, quickness, and is the most seasoned player on the interior for the Penn St. defensive front. He doesn't produce many tackles, but knows how to make big plays.
To wrap up the final spot on the defensive line, the Nittany Lions will call upon senior Scott Paxon to give it a go. Paxon has 21 tackles on the season, including 5.5 for a loss, and 1 sack. Paxon also is a terror on special teams, last year he led the nation with 5 blocked kicks, he has 7 in his career. His height, along with pure athletism (converted from OLB early in career), give him the ability to do things that many other defensive tackles cannot. He is another player that will need to be contained if the Buckeyes want to pull this on out in Happy Valley.
Analysis
Penn St. will be the 2nd best defensive line that OSU has faced this season, placing a distant 2nd place to Texas. Still, you cannot take away the fact that they shut down Maroney last weekend. He is better than any back on OSU's squad, and is a prime example that a one dimensional offensive attack will not work against this batch of Nittany Lions. They have great size and quickness, and will probably hold the key to a Nittany Lion upset if one should occur.
DL Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Ohio State (Richardson, Green, Pitcock, Kudla) vs Penn State (Hali, Alford, Paxon, Rice)
This is a very intriguing match up when you line up the front 4. Penn State has one of the best lines in the Big Ten, but they are facing a rapidly emerging OSU unit that is becoming one of the best in the country. Kudla is arguably playing better than any lineman in the Big Ten to this point in the season. Penn St. will counter punch with Hali, who also is a leading candidate for 1st team all Big Ten. Both teams are very good against the run, but OSU gets the overall nod based on final stats and level of competition.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
OLB # 20 Tim Shaw (6-1, 234, JR)
MLB # 46 Tyrell Sales (6-2, 234, FR)
OLB # 31 Paul Posluszny (6-2, 234, JR)
Penn State is led be a trio of linebackers who are eager to prove that are one of the best units in the Big Ten. Leading the way for the Nittany Lions will be junior OLB Paul Posluszny. He is 3rd in the Big Ten with a total of 57 tackles on the season. In addition, he has 4.5 tackles for a loss, and 1 sack. Posluszny has also broken up 2 passes so far this season. Paul is a 2nd team all Big Ten performer from a year ago, and has popped up the Butkus watch list. He plays football in a tenacious fashion, and is a very sure tackler. He is yet another dangerous player on the Penn St. defense.
The other OLB spot will be manned down by junior Tim Shaw. On the season Shaw is 2nd on the team with a total of 44 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. He has also broken up 2 passes, and forced a fumble. Shaw has excellent speed (converted tailback), and is good in pass coverage.
Anchoring down the middle backer spot for the Nittany Lions will be freshman Tyrell Sales. On the season Sales has a total of 13 tackles, including 2 for a loss. Sales has also been credited with a pass breakup this season. If there is a liability for Penn St in the front 7, it certainly has to be Sales. He is green, and has not performed too well up to this point in the season.
Analysis
Penn State is very good on the outside at the LB position, and is led by two guys who will probably receive some kind of all league accolades. Shaw and Posluszny can flat out bring it, and are capable of disrupting the flow of a ballgame. Sales is not yet ready for the big time, and could be someone who is picked on this week. He does not yet have the knack for making tackles. He is the weak spot in the front 7 for the Nittany Lions, hopefully the Bucks can expose him Saturday night
LB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Ohio State (Hawk, Carpenter, Schlegel) vs Penn State (Shaw, Sales, Posluszny)
This section deserves no explanation. If you haven't figured out that OSU has the best linebacker crew in the country by now you should really stop watching so much WNBA. It's not even worth an explanation any more.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB # 21 Alan Zemaitis (6-2, 196, SR)
FS # 27 Chris Harrell (6-2, 212, SR)
SS # 10 Calvin Lowry (6-0, 200, SR)
CB # 1 Anwar Phillips (6-1, 187, SR)
Penn State will feature 4 seniors in the secondary, which continues the trend of experience on this defense. Leading the way will be senior All Big Ten candidate Calvin Lowry. On the season Lowry is 3rd on the team with 39 tackles, including 1 for a loss, and a sack. Lowry has also picked off a pass on the season, and has also forced a fumble. Calvin is the ironman on this defense for the Lions, and logged a team high 869 plays last season for Penn St. He possesses great athleticism, and the leadership that is needed for a top 20 caliber defense.
Chris Harrell will get the nod at free safety for Penn St. On the season Harrell is 4th on the team with 35 tackles, including 1 for a loss. Harrell has also picked off a pass, and batted down 3 others.
Alan Zemaitis will get the nod at one of the corner spots for PSU. On the season he has a total of 20 tackles, and 1 interception. He leads the team with 5 batted down balls, and has also forced and recovered a fumble. Zemaitis was a second team All Big Ten performer a year ago, and is a possible All American candidate this season. He has excellent speed, and had a breakout year as a sophomore for the Nittany Lions. His production fell off quite a bit last year when teams started to throw away from, but nonetheless he is still very dangerous.
The other corner spot will be manned down by Anwar Phillips. Phillips has 14 tackles on the season, including 2 for a loss. He has also picked off a pass, and broken up 4 others.
Analysis
This unit is probably the weakest link on the PSU defense, but not by a whole lot. They are still very talented, and have a legit big time player in Zemaitis. They have been vulnerable through the air this season, against teams that are far less talented than OSU from a receiver standpoint. Expect OSU to try to stretch out this unit, and force the safeties to make good reads on Smith running option. Ultimately Ted Ginn is due to make some big plays, and it will start against this Penn St. unit on Saturday.
DB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Ohio State (Youboty, Everett, Salley, Whitner) vs Penn State (Zemaitis, Harrell, Lowry, Phillips)
From a statistical standpoint this one is pretty much dead even. If you go off the last few games, you can see that OSU is really starting to come on. Also, you have to factor in the opponents that each team has faced to this point. OSU lacks the amount of seniors that PSU has, but make up for it with pure athleticism. They arguably have the fastest unit in the Big Ten, which is what ultimately propels them over PSU's unit.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
To this point on the season Penn St. has performed very well on defense. But, I have to put an asterisk beside most of my defensive analysis due to the fact that Penn St has not played any big time opponents yet this season. Regardless, these guys have some star power, a bunch of seniors, and are not afraid to play good old fashion smash mouth football. It's what the Big Ten is all about, and is a huge test for this OSU football team. If the Buckeyes can move it on this defense in Happy Valley at night, on national TV, I think this is the next step towards an outright Big Ten title. If not, we will be facing another week of "what if's". I think this is the week that OSU snaps the road opener at night loss streak at 2, in a big way. Expect a close game through 3 quarters with Josh Huston making the difference in the end.
Overall Defensive Rating: B
Ohio State will hit the road this week for the first time this year, with an offense that finally awakened against Iowa two weeks ago. They will be greeted in Happy Valley by a Penn St. squad that is #4 in the Big Ten in scoring defense, surrendering 17 points per contest. The Nittany Lions are currently 3rd in the league in total defense, giving up 314 yards per contest. Penn St. has been very stiff against the run, giving up 85 yards per contest (3rd in Big Ten). They have not fared as well in pass defense, where they are giving up 229 yards per contest (5th in Big Ten). They are second in the league with 14 sacks, and are ranked 7th in defensive red zone efficiency, where they are giving up points 86% of the time their opponent reaches the 20.
This defense has been pretty good to this point, but you also have to take into consideration who they have played. South Florida, Cincinnati, Central Michigan, Northwestern and Minnesota aren't exactly juggernauts. Regardless, Joe Pa will have them ready for the Buckeyes this week, in what should be a very good night ballgame.
Defensive Line
DE # 91 Tamba Hali (6-3, 262, SR)
DT # 13 Jay Alford (6-3, 288, JR)
DT # 41 Scott Paxson (6-5, 292, SR)
DE # 55 Matthew Rice (6-4, 262, SR)
Penn State features a veteran defensive line, which has performed very well to this point. This unit shut down Maroney (RB) from Minnesota last week, and has the potential to shut down the Buckeyes run game. They will be led up front by senior defensive end Tamba Hali. On the season Hali has 21 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, and a team high 3.5 sacks (2nd in Big Ten). In addition, he has broken up 2 passes, and been credited with 1 QB hurry. Hali was a 2nd team All Big Ten performer a year ago, and was tabbed as a preseason All American by some publications. He has excellent quickness, strength, and remarkable athletism for his size. OSU will have to keep tabs on him all night long, because he has the ability to really disrupt the opposing offense.
The other defensive end spot will be filled by yet another veteran, who goes by the name of Matthew Rice. On the season Rice has 25 tackles, including 5.5 for loss (T-1st on team, 3rd in Big Ten). He has also broken up a pass and been credited with 2 QB hurries.
On the interior Penn St. will be led by by Jay Alford. Alford has 14 tackles on the season, including 3.5 for a loss and 2.5 sacks. He has also broken up a pass, and recovered a fumble. Alford has excellent size, quickness, and is the most seasoned player on the interior for the Penn St. defensive front. He doesn't produce many tackles, but knows how to make big plays.
To wrap up the final spot on the defensive line, the Nittany Lions will call upon senior Scott Paxon to give it a go. Paxon has 21 tackles on the season, including 5.5 for a loss, and 1 sack. Paxon also is a terror on special teams, last year he led the nation with 5 blocked kicks, he has 7 in his career. His height, along with pure athletism (converted from OLB early in career), give him the ability to do things that many other defensive tackles cannot. He is another player that will need to be contained if the Buckeyes want to pull this on out in Happy Valley.
Analysis
Penn St. will be the 2nd best defensive line that OSU has faced this season, placing a distant 2nd place to Texas. Still, you cannot take away the fact that they shut down Maroney last weekend. He is better than any back on OSU's squad, and is a prime example that a one dimensional offensive attack will not work against this batch of Nittany Lions. They have great size and quickness, and will probably hold the key to a Nittany Lion upset if one should occur.
DL Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Ohio State (Richardson, Green, Pitcock, Kudla) vs Penn State (Hali, Alford, Paxon, Rice)
This is a very intriguing match up when you line up the front 4. Penn State has one of the best lines in the Big Ten, but they are facing a rapidly emerging OSU unit that is becoming one of the best in the country. Kudla is arguably playing better than any lineman in the Big Ten to this point in the season. Penn St. will counter punch with Hali, who also is a leading candidate for 1st team all Big Ten. Both teams are very good against the run, but OSU gets the overall nod based on final stats and level of competition.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
OLB # 20 Tim Shaw (6-1, 234, JR)
MLB # 46 Tyrell Sales (6-2, 234, FR)
OLB # 31 Paul Posluszny (6-2, 234, JR)
Penn State is led be a trio of linebackers who are eager to prove that are one of the best units in the Big Ten. Leading the way for the Nittany Lions will be junior OLB Paul Posluszny. He is 3rd in the Big Ten with a total of 57 tackles on the season. In addition, he has 4.5 tackles for a loss, and 1 sack. Posluszny has also broken up 2 passes so far this season. Paul is a 2nd team all Big Ten performer from a year ago, and has popped up the Butkus watch list. He plays football in a tenacious fashion, and is a very sure tackler. He is yet another dangerous player on the Penn St. defense.
The other OLB spot will be manned down by junior Tim Shaw. On the season Shaw is 2nd on the team with a total of 44 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. He has also broken up 2 passes, and forced a fumble. Shaw has excellent speed (converted tailback), and is good in pass coverage.
Anchoring down the middle backer spot for the Nittany Lions will be freshman Tyrell Sales. On the season Sales has a total of 13 tackles, including 2 for a loss. Sales has also been credited with a pass breakup this season. If there is a liability for Penn St in the front 7, it certainly has to be Sales. He is green, and has not performed too well up to this point in the season.
Analysis
Penn State is very good on the outside at the LB position, and is led by two guys who will probably receive some kind of all league accolades. Shaw and Posluszny can flat out bring it, and are capable of disrupting the flow of a ballgame. Sales is not yet ready for the big time, and could be someone who is picked on this week. He does not yet have the knack for making tackles. He is the weak spot in the front 7 for the Nittany Lions, hopefully the Bucks can expose him Saturday night
LB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Ohio State (Hawk, Carpenter, Schlegel) vs Penn State (Shaw, Sales, Posluszny)
This section deserves no explanation. If you haven't figured out that OSU has the best linebacker crew in the country by now you should really stop watching so much WNBA. It's not even worth an explanation any more.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB # 21 Alan Zemaitis (6-2, 196, SR)
FS # 27 Chris Harrell (6-2, 212, SR)
SS # 10 Calvin Lowry (6-0, 200, SR)
CB # 1 Anwar Phillips (6-1, 187, SR)
Penn State will feature 4 seniors in the secondary, which continues the trend of experience on this defense. Leading the way will be senior All Big Ten candidate Calvin Lowry. On the season Lowry is 3rd on the team with 39 tackles, including 1 for a loss, and a sack. Lowry has also picked off a pass on the season, and has also forced a fumble. Calvin is the ironman on this defense for the Lions, and logged a team high 869 plays last season for Penn St. He possesses great athleticism, and the leadership that is needed for a top 20 caliber defense.
Chris Harrell will get the nod at free safety for Penn St. On the season Harrell is 4th on the team with 35 tackles, including 1 for a loss. Harrell has also picked off a pass, and batted down 3 others.
Alan Zemaitis will get the nod at one of the corner spots for PSU. On the season he has a total of 20 tackles, and 1 interception. He leads the team with 5 batted down balls, and has also forced and recovered a fumble. Zemaitis was a second team All Big Ten performer a year ago, and is a possible All American candidate this season. He has excellent speed, and had a breakout year as a sophomore for the Nittany Lions. His production fell off quite a bit last year when teams started to throw away from, but nonetheless he is still very dangerous.
The other corner spot will be manned down by Anwar Phillips. Phillips has 14 tackles on the season, including 2 for a loss. He has also picked off a pass, and broken up 4 others.
Analysis
This unit is probably the weakest link on the PSU defense, but not by a whole lot. They are still very talented, and have a legit big time player in Zemaitis. They have been vulnerable through the air this season, against teams that are far less talented than OSU from a receiver standpoint. Expect OSU to try to stretch out this unit, and force the safeties to make good reads on Smith running option. Ultimately Ted Ginn is due to make some big plays, and it will start against this Penn St. unit on Saturday.
DB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Ohio State (Youboty, Everett, Salley, Whitner) vs Penn State (Zemaitis, Harrell, Lowry, Phillips)
From a statistical standpoint this one is pretty much dead even. If you go off the last few games, you can see that OSU is really starting to come on. Also, you have to factor in the opponents that each team has faced to this point. OSU lacks the amount of seniors that PSU has, but make up for it with pure athleticism. They arguably have the fastest unit in the Big Ten, which is what ultimately propels them over PSU's unit.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
To this point on the season Penn St. has performed very well on defense. But, I have to put an asterisk beside most of my defensive analysis due to the fact that Penn St has not played any big time opponents yet this season. Regardless, these guys have some star power, a bunch of seniors, and are not afraid to play good old fashion smash mouth football. It's what the Big Ten is all about, and is a huge test for this OSU football team. If the Buckeyes can move it on this defense in Happy Valley at night, on national TV, I think this is the next step towards an outright Big Ten title. If not, we will be facing another week of "what if's". I think this is the week that OSU snaps the road opener at night loss streak at 2, in a big way. Expect a close game through 3 quarters with Josh Huston making the difference in the end.
Overall Defensive Rating: B
Predictions
Bucklion's prediction: 23-19, Ohio State
BB73's prediction: 24-13, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: 19-9, Ohio State
Hubbard's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State
Jaxbuck's prediction: 27-14, Ohio State
LordJeffBuck's prediction: 28-24, Penn State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 27-17, Ohio State
Last Week's Results (OSU 31 - Iowa 6)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(43) Hubbard's prediction: 35-3, Ohio State (4 + 3 = 7 + 36 last week)
(47) Jaxbuck's prediction: 32-13, Ohio State (1 + 7 = 8 + 39 last week)
(52) BB73's prediction: 23-16 Ohio State (8 + 10 = 18 + 34 last week)
(53) 3yardsandacloud's prediction: 24-14, Ohio State (7 + 8 = 15 + 38 last week)
(54) LordJeffBuck's prediction: 19-15, Ohio State (12 + 9 = 21 + 33 last week)
(66) daddyphatsac's prediction: 19-13, Ohio State (12 + 7 = 19 + 47 last week)
(85) Bucklion's prediction: 27-17, Ohio State (4 + 11 = 15 + 70 last week)
BB73's prediction: 24-13, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: 19-9, Ohio State
Hubbard's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State
Jaxbuck's prediction: 27-14, Ohio State
LordJeffBuck's prediction: 28-24, Penn State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 27-17, Ohio State
Last Week's Results (OSU 31 - Iowa 6)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(43) Hubbard's prediction: 35-3, Ohio State (4 + 3 = 7 + 36 last week)
(47) Jaxbuck's prediction: 32-13, Ohio State (1 + 7 = 8 + 39 last week)
(52) BB73's prediction: 23-16 Ohio State (8 + 10 = 18 + 34 last week)
(53) 3yardsandacloud's prediction: 24-14, Ohio State (7 + 8 = 15 + 38 last week)
(54) LordJeffBuck's prediction: 19-15, Ohio State (12 + 9 = 21 + 33 last week)
(66) daddyphatsac's prediction: 19-13, Ohio State (12 + 7 = 19 + 47 last week)
(85) Bucklion's prediction: 27-17, Ohio State (4 + 11 = 15 + 70 last week)
Last edited:
