2009
Penn State Nittany Lions Game Preview
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Preface
We will try very hard not to make any mistakes in this preview, since when talking about Penn State nobody wants to even think about using any Whiteout.
44 - The number of seasons that JoePa has been the head coach at Penn State. He has broken Amos Alonzo Stagg's mark of 41 for the most seasons as head football coach at a major college. Stagg was at the University of Chicago from 1892 through 1932, and all but the first 4 of those years were spent in the Big Ten Conference (or Western Conference from 1896 to 1899, then the Big Nine until 1917). After leaving the Big Ten and giving up football in 1940, Chicago is now a Division III program.
324 - The number of games that JoePa had won after Zack Mills led a 29-27 comeback victory over tOSU, during Jim Tressel's first year as tOSU's head coach (2001). That gave JoePa the major college coaching record, breaking a tie with Bear Bryant. He has since been passed by and then re-passed Bobby Bowden, since the NCAA allows Bowden to count his 31 victories at Howard College (now 1-AA Samford University).
391 - JoePa's current win total, now 5 ahead of Bowden. Jim Tressel is third among current FBS (1-A) coaches with 225, and Frank Beamer has 224 pending his Thursday night game at East Carolina.
408 - Eddie Robinson's record for wins in Division 1 football. JoePa should be due to break that mark in 2011.
469 - John Gagliardi's wins as a college football coach (Division III). He won 24 games at Carroll College from 1949-'52, and has won 445 at St. John's as of last Sunday, his 83rd birthday (8-0 this year). He started at Carroll College 1 year before JoePa became an assistant at PSU.
548 - The total number of major college games coached by Stagg (per ncaa.org), including his stints at Springfield College and Pacific. This week's game will be #523 for JoePa, so he may want to hang around for 2 more years in order to break that mark.
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 that, JoePa famously chased down the referee leaving the field. That Iowa play was instrumental in getting the Big-10 to adopt instant replay. The 1 1/2" distance may also indicate the thickness of Joe's glasses, but he did see that play more clearly than the referees. The only time since then that JoePa moved that fast on the field resulted in him returning with different colored pants at the 'Shoe in 2006.
1 1/2 feet - The approximate distance that Mike McCloskey was out-of-bounds when he caught a 15-yard pass near the 2-yard line from Todd Blackledge with 9 seconds left against #2 Nebraska in 1982. For some reason, Joe didn't protest this call. Penn State scored on the next play to win 24-21, and went on to win their first national title (Nebraska finished #3 at 12-1). Yes, that's the same Todd Blackledge eating his way across college campuses on CBS. The team that finished #2 that year was pre-Death Penalty SMU, led by the 'Pony Express' backfield of Eric Dickerson and Craig James (now on ESPN).
82 - Joe Paterno's actual age. When he coaches in a bowl game after his birthday on December 21st, he'll be stolling the sidelines with rolled-up pants at the age of 83.
3-2-1 - That's the all-time bowl game record for the Nittany Lions, not counting games coached by JoePa.
26-13-2 - Their overall bowl record including his games. JoePa's 23 bowl wins are the most ever; Bobby Bowden is next with 21.
12-12 - The all-time record between tOSU and Penn State. The Nittany Lions won the first 4 games, which were all in Columbus, so tOSU's only lead in the series was the 12-11 mark before last year's game, which was Penn State's first win in the 'Shoe since they joined the Big 10 in 1993.
39-41-7 - Ohio State's all-time record on the road against ranked teams
12-6 - Ohio State's record on the road against ranked teams under Tressel
2 - The number of times that Penn State played against a #1 team in Happy Valley. Before the 37-17 victory by the #1 Buckeyes in 2007, the only other occasion was on November 18, 1989, when the #17 Nittany Lions lost to #1 Notre Dame 34-23. For those wondering if they played a #1 Wolverine team in 1997, TSUN was ranked #4 when they beat a #2 PSU team 34-8 on November 8th. They assumed the top spot in the next poll since that was the same day that Nebraska needed OT to win at Missouri, after tying the game on a kicked ball that was caught with no time remaining. 1997 was the last year before the BCS, so they didn't play in the bowls; TSUN ended up #1 in the AP that year, while the Coaches poll ended up voting Nebraska #1 as a going-away present for Tom Osborne. Has anybody heard what Tom Osborne's doing lately?
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 44 - The number of seasons that JoePa has been the head coach at Penn State. He has broken Amos Alonzo Stagg's mark of 41 for the most seasons as head football coach at a major college. Stagg was at the University of Chicago from 1892 through 1932, and all but the first 4 of those years were spent in the Big Ten Conference (or Western Conference from 1896 to 1899, then the Big Nine until 1917). After leaving the Big Ten and giving up football in 1940, Chicago is now a Division III program.
324 - The number of games that JoePa had won after Zack Mills led a 29-27 comeback victory over tOSU, during Jim Tressel's first year as tOSU's head coach (2001). That gave JoePa the major college coaching record, breaking a tie with Bear Bryant. He has since been passed by and then re-passed Bobby Bowden, since the NCAA allows Bowden to count his 31 victories at Howard College (now 1-AA Samford University).
391 - JoePa's current win total, now 5 ahead of Bowden. Jim Tressel is third among current FBS (1-A) coaches with 225, and Frank Beamer has 224 pending his Thursday night game at East Carolina.
408 - Eddie Robinson's record for wins in Division 1 football. JoePa should be due to break that mark in 2011.
469 - John Gagliardi's wins as a college football coach (Division III). He won 24 games at Carroll College from 1949-'52, and has won 445 at St. John's as of last Sunday, his 83rd birthday (8-0 this year). He started at Carroll College 1 year before JoePa became an assistant at PSU.
548 - The total number of major college games coached by Stagg (per ncaa.org), including his stints at Springfield College and Pacific. This week's game will be #523 for JoePa, so he may want to hang around for 2 more years in order to break that mark.
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 that, JoePa famously chased down the referee leaving the field. That Iowa play was instrumental in getting the Big-10 to adopt instant replay. The 1 1/2" distance may also indicate the thickness of Joe's glasses, but he did see that play more clearly than the referees. The only time since then that JoePa moved that fast on the field resulted in him returning with different colored pants at the 'Shoe in 2006.
1 1/2 feet - The approximate distance that Mike McCloskey was out-of-bounds when he caught a 15-yard pass near the 2-yard line from Todd Blackledge with 9 seconds left against #2 Nebraska in 1982. For some reason, Joe didn't protest this call. Penn State scored on the next play to win 24-21, and went on to win their first national title (Nebraska finished #3 at 12-1). Yes, that's the same Todd Blackledge eating his way across college campuses on CBS. The team that finished #2 that year was pre-Death Penalty SMU, led by the 'Pony Express' backfield of Eric Dickerson and Craig James (now on ESPN).
82 - Joe Paterno's actual age. When he coaches in a bowl game after his birthday on December 21st, he'll be stolling the sidelines with rolled-up pants at the age of 83.
3-2-1 - That's the all-time bowl game record for the Nittany Lions, not counting games coached by JoePa.
26-13-2 - Their overall bowl record including his games. JoePa's 23 bowl wins are the most ever; Bobby Bowden is next with 21.
12-12 - The all-time record between tOSU and Penn State. The Nittany Lions won the first 4 games, which were all in Columbus, so tOSU's only lead in the series was the 12-11 mark before last year's game, which was Penn State's first win in the 'Shoe since they joined the Big 10 in 1993.
39-41-7 - Ohio State's all-time record on the road against ranked teams
12-6 - Ohio State's record on the road against ranked teams under Tressel
2 - The number of times that Penn State played against a #1 team in Happy Valley. Before the 37-17 victory by the #1 Buckeyes in 2007, the only other occasion was on November 18, 1989, when the #17 Nittany Lions lost to #1 Notre Dame 34-23. For those wondering if they played a #1 Wolverine team in 1997, TSUN was ranked #4 when they beat a #2 PSU team 34-8 on November 8th. They assumed the top spot in the next poll since that was the same day that Nebraska needed OT to win at Missouri, after tying the game on a kicked ball that was caught with no time remaining. 1997 was the last year before the BCS, so they didn't play in the bowls; TSUN ended up #1 in the AP that year, while the Coaches poll ended up voting Nebraska #1 as a going-away present for Tom Osborne. Has anybody heard what Tom Osborne's doing lately?
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: Saturday, November 7th, 2009
Time: 3:30 PM ET Kick-off
Location: Beaver Stadium, State College, PA
Constructed: 1960 (last renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 107,282 (record there is 110,752)
Playing Surface: Grass
Time: 3:30 PM ET Kick-off
Location: Beaver Stadium, State College, PA
Constructed: 1960 (last renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 107,282 (record there is 110,752)
Playing Surface: Grass
Events: Doug Plank has been named tOSU's honorary captain for this game.
Broadcast Information:
TV Broacast: ABC (reverse mirror on ESPN2) with Sean McDonough (Play-by-Play), Matt Millen (analyst), and Holly Rowe on the sidelines.
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS 97.1 The Fan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline).
The game can also be heard on Sirius satellite radio Channel 127.
2009 Penn State Nittany Lions Offensive Preview TV Broacast: ABC (reverse mirror on ESPN2) with Sean McDonough (Play-by-Play), Matt Millen (analyst), and Holly Rowe on the sidelines.
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS 97.1 The Fan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline).
The game can also be heard on Sirius satellite radio Channel 127.
Returning starters: 5
Ohio State pummeled the hapless Aggies last weekend after a slow opening quarter, and now it is on to the biggest conference game of the season to date, a trip to Happy Valley to take on the Nittany Lions. The two teams have developed quite a mini-rivalry over the years since Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993 (and even before when Woody and JoePa met 3 times in the mid to late 70's), and this year's game will be yet another where there are significant Rose Bowl and conference title implications. Both teams are out of the National Championship hunt, but the stakes remain extremely high for this game.
Galen Hall has Penn State's offense clicking again this season, firing on all cylinders much of the time, and playing well when not facing a team from Iowa for the 2nd straight season. The competition hasn't exactly been overwhelming, but they did get a couple of nice conference road wins and they come in with quite a bit of momentum since their 2nd half meltdown against the Hawkeyes to open conference play. The Lions rank 24th nationally with 429.1 total yards per game. The running game hasn't been quite as good as they had hoped, but it still ranks a very respectable 33rd nationally at 182 yards per game. Penn State has also been pretty good throwing the football, averaging 253.7 yards per game, good for 41st nationally. Their 30.7 points per contest also ranks them 33rd nationally. The Lions have been very, very good at sustaining punishing drives, as they have been effective moving the chains (197 first downs, T9th nationally) and have also converted a very impressive percentage of their 3rd downs (49.2%, 5th nationally). They also sport an impressive turnover margin of 0.56, with a conference low 12 turnovers committed. The offense struggled early and then imploded against Iowa, but since then the Lions have beaten up on their other conference opponents and roll back home this weekend with high hopes and a 4 game conference winning streak.
Quarterbacks
Galen Hall has Penn State's offense clicking again this season, firing on all cylinders much of the time, and playing well when not facing a team from Iowa for the 2nd straight season. The competition hasn't exactly been overwhelming, but they did get a couple of nice conference road wins and they come in with quite a bit of momentum since their 2nd half meltdown against the Hawkeyes to open conference play. The Lions rank 24th nationally with 429.1 total yards per game. The running game hasn't been quite as good as they had hoped, but it still ranks a very respectable 33rd nationally at 182 yards per game. Penn State has also been pretty good throwing the football, averaging 253.7 yards per game, good for 41st nationally. Their 30.7 points per contest also ranks them 33rd nationally. The Lions have been very, very good at sustaining punishing drives, as they have been effective moving the chains (197 first downs, T9th nationally) and have also converted a very impressive percentage of their 3rd downs (49.2%, 5th nationally). They also sport an impressive turnover margin of 0.56, with a conference low 12 turnovers committed. The offense struggled early and then imploded against Iowa, but since then the Lions have beaten up on their other conference opponents and roll back home this weekend with high hopes and a 4 game conference winning streak.
Quarterbacks
QB #17 Daryll Clark (6-2, 232, SR, Ursuline HS, Youngstown, OH)
After throwing for 2593 yards and 19 TDs a season ago and leading his team to within a point of an undefeated regular season, Clark entered his senior season looking to push the Lions to the precipice of the National Championship game one more time in the Paterno era. Then he ran into Iowa...again. Still, there's no denying that Clark has provided much of the same leadership and toughness that predecessor Michael Robinson did, while at the same time making Lion fans forget the often ghastly Anthony Morelli era of 2007. There is no doubt that this team has a reasonably solid running game, but this team will most definitely go as far as Clark can carry them himself, as evidenced by his virtuoso performances (Michigan, Northwestern) and his duds (Iowa). Clark has eclipsed the 200 yard passing mark 6 times this season, and has thrown at least 3 TDs four separate times. He feasted on the cupcake empire that was put in front of him early, including throwing for a season high 353 yards in the opener against Akron and throwing 11 TD passes in non-conference play. The Iowa game was an unmitigated disaster, as Clark went 12 for 32 for 198 yards, one TD and 3 very costly INTs. As great players do, however, he responded with authority the following week against Illinois, throwing for an efficient 175 yards and rushing for 83 yards and 2 scores. He then burned Minnesota for 287 yards and a TD, Michigan for 230 yards and 4 TDs, and Northwestern for 274 yards and a TD, all without throwing an INT and chipping in 2 rushing TDs in that 3 game span. He is big and strong and has a powerful arm, but he has learned to throw intermediate passes with a good deal of touch and has made good decisions with the ball the past month. In addition, he isn't a "running" QB per se, but he can be deadly on a scramble (he had a 51 yarder against Illinois) or QB draw and he is effective at running for short yardage, particularly in the red zone, as his 5 rushing TDs attest to. He has also only taken 8 sacks, so he is very effective at getting rid of the football quickly or scrambling for what yardage he can get, which is all the more impressive considering the suspect line he has been playing behind. Some Buckeye fans may be looking for another Clark implosion similar to the Iowa game, but since that meltdown (5 games), he has thrown 9 TDs with only 1 INT, while also adding 5 rushing TDs in that span and only taking 3 sacks. Couple that with his modest but relatively mistake free performance in leading the Lions to a win in Columbus last year, and it appears as if Clark will probably play well Saturday as he attempts to carry his team back to another conference title.
The backup is freshman Kevin Newsome (#12). He has limited action this season, as expected. He didn't look especially good early in the season, but he played better against Eastern Illinois, completing 4 of 5 for 34 yards and carrying 7 times for 49 yards and a score. He may very well have a bright future, but if Clark sustains a significant injury, the Lions are in trouble Saturday.
QB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State QBs
Clark: 166/263 (63.1%), 2158 yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs, 149.3 rating; 48/148, 5 TDs
Pryor: 113/207 (54.6%), 1543 yards, 13 TDs, 9 INTs, 129.2 rating; 110/554, 6 TDs
Both QBs had meltdown games, Pryor against Purdue and Clark against Iowa. Since those contests, both players have shown significant improvement, with Clark playing especially well over the past 5 games. His performance against Michigan was especially good, though the defense he sees this weekend will much more resemble Iowa's in quality. Pryor has had plenty of ups and downs as Buckeye Nation lives with the growing pains of an uber-hyped prospect who is eager to succeed, but is learning a new system and a new way to play the position and is doing so "on the job", so to speak. It will be interesting to see how much freedom Pryor has...he is most effective when he can use his creativity when plays break down, though he is also prone to the bad throw in those situations. Clark doesn't run as much as he probably could, but is effective when he does and has a quick release, so he doesn't take many sacks. The QB play will go a long way in determining the winner of this game. Give Clark the slight edge because he is more polished, is playing with quite a bit of confidence after the past 5 games, and is better at distributing the football. Pryor, however, has a golden opportunity to secure a signature win against a good defense and establish himself as the dominant force that everyone predicted he would be, and he has the chance to do so against the team that heavily recruited him in his home state, with many people saying "Thank goodness we didn't get him" when he was struggling. One also imagines he still has the bad taste of last year's home loss in his mouth as well. Don't be surprised if he takes the opportunity and makes the most of it.
Edge: Penn State
Running Backs
TB #22 Evan Royster (6-1, 213, JR, Westfield HS, Fairfax, VA)
Royster rushed for 1236 yards and 12 TDs last season, and he entered the 2009 campaign with designs on improving those numbers in his second year as the starter. Not surprisingly, the turnover and struggles along the line have hindered those efforts to an extent, particularly early in the year, but he is on pace to get back within the vicinity of last year's production. Royster doesn't have blazing speed, but he is very effective between the tackles and is a good "north-south" runner. He has cracked the 100 yard mark 5 times this season, including the previous 3 games, meaning he and the line are becoming more effective as the season wears on. The past 3 contests, he had 137 yards against Minnesota, 100 against Michigan, and 118 last week against Northwestern on only 15 carries. After scoring in each of the first 3 games, he hasn't found the end zone often, scoring just twice since, though Clark has assumed most of the short yardage carries around the goal line, so those numbers aren't completely surprising. The running game hasn't been nearly as explosive as the Lions hoped, and that was particularly the case against Iowa, where Royster was held to 69 yards rushing on 17 carries and Penn State suffered their only loss. The Lions will probably try and establish the run early, and will feature it often if they grab a lead in the 2nd half. Royster is effective but not especially explosive as a receiver, having made 11 receptions for 145 yards thus far. He did have a TD against Syracuse in that regard, so it will be important for the Buckeyes not to lose sight of him, especially in the screen game. Last year against the Buckeyes, Royster had 77 yards on the ground and an additional 20 on 3 receptions, modest production but good enough to help spring the upset in Columbus.
Royster's backup is the explosive sophomore Stephfon Green (#21). He had 120 yards and scored a TD against Illinois this season, and he has blazing speed and is a consistent home run threat on the ground and as a pass receiver. He didn't play the past 2 weeks due to injury. In Green's absence, sophomore Brandon Beachum (#3) has played a more prominent role. He has 20 or more yards on the ground each of the past 4 games, including a TD last week against the Wildcats. He's a larger back (6-0, 218) more in the mold of Royster. Junior Brent Carter (#32) also sees the field occasionally.
At fullback, the Lions have a nice player in sophomore Joe Suhey (#37), whose father and grandfather both played at Penn State. He's a good blocker who also has 38 yards on the ground and 14 catches on the season, so he sees the ball quite a bit in their offense.
RB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State RBs
Royster: 145/859 yards, 5 TDs, 5.9 YPC; 11 rec/145 yards, 1 TD, 13.2 YPR
Green: 49/248 yards, 3 TDs, 5.1 YPC; 3 rec/37 yards, 0 TDs, 12.3 YPR
Saine: 88/439 yards, 1 TD, 5.0 YPC; 10 rec/143 yards, 0 TDs, 14.3 YPR
Herron: 72/307 yards, 6 TDs, 4.3 YPC; 5 rec/34 yards, 0 TDs, 6.8 YPR
Royster has been a productive back for the past 3 seasons for the Lions. He is a nice back with good strength between the tackles ad a fair bit of speed when he gets out in the open. Green is a nice complement when healthy, as he has the breakaway speed on the outside that can bring something explosive to the gameplan and force the defense to alter their strategy. His health is of particular importance in this game for the Lions, as they will need potential playmakers against the ferocious Buckeye defense. For the Buckeyes, health has been a big concern in recent weeks, and the line play hasn't helped them establish much of a consistent threat on the ground. Though Saine and Herron are good backs, they haven't quite shown the high level of consistent quality Buckeye fans are used to seeing in past players like Beanie Wells. Saine and Herron are hopefully on the mend, and the line has played better since the debacle at Purdue. The Buckeyes will absolutely need to establish some sort of rushing presence early in this game to take some pressure off of Pryor and control the clock for their defense, who will be playing with especially high energy in this game. Both teams have some reasonable depth, and both seem to have young players who can emerge as future stars. The overall talent level top to bottom probably favors Ohio State, but current production and a healthy Royster slightly favor Penn State.
Edge: Penn State
Wide Receivers
WR #6 Derek Moye (6-5, 198, SO, Rochester HS, Rochester, PA)
WR #2 Chaz Powell (6-1, 197, SO, Susquehannock HS, New Freedom, PA)
WR #5 Graham Zug (6-2, 183, JR, Manheim Central HS, Manheim, PA)
The Lions had to replace 3 of their top 4 career leaders in receiving, but it hasn't hurt them as much as one would have expected. In 2009, Moye, Powell, and Zug have stepped up their respective games and played at a level that not many were expecting. Last year, these 3 players combined for 16 receptions total. This year, they each have at least 26 and 350 yards receiving. Moye played sparingly last season, but has stepped up to be the top target for Clark. He has 39 receptions, including 6 in each of the past 3 games. He has broken the 100 yard plateau 3 times, in the opener against Akron and in Big Ten play against Minnesota and Northwestern. He has 5 receiving TDs, aided by his height and ability to make circus sideline catches. Powell also played sparingly last year. This season he has 26 catches for 355 yards and 3 TDs. He was one of the few Lions to have a good game against Iowa, snagging 3 passes for 96 yards and a score. He had 5 catches for 39 yards last week after being shut out in the Michigan game. Zug played more in 2008, snagging 11 receptions. This year, he has 30 for 350 yards and 5 scores. After 2 good games to start the season, he was fairly quiet until the Michigan game, where he exploded for 3 TDs in just 5 receptions. His combination of height and speed can create matchup problems in zone coverages. Collectively, this unit has been very good in that different players have stepped up in different weeks, and Clark has done a nice job of distributing the ball to each player over the course of the season, similar to what they had in recent years with Butler, Norwood, and Williams. This creates an inability for defenses to focus on a specific player and gives the Lions plenty of options, depending on the strengths and tendencies of the opponent.
The backups have not produced a great deal for the Lions. Junior Brett Brackett (#83) is the player with the most experience in the program, and he has just 2 catches this season, though one was for a TD. Freshmen Curtis Drake (#7) and Devon Smith (#20) play some and have a combined 7 receptions on the season. Fellow freshman Justin Brown (#19) caught a 27 yarder last weekend against Northwestern.
WR Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State WRs
Moye: 39 catches, 648 yards, 5 TDs, 16.6 YPR
Powell: 26 catches, 355 yards, 3 TDs, 13.7 YPR
Zug: 30 catches, 350 yards, 5 TDs, 11.7 YPR
Posey: 43 catches, 595 yards, 6 TDs, 13.8 YPR
Sanzenbacher: 23 catches, 460 yards, 6 TDs, 20.0 YPR
Carter: 12 catches, 164 yards, 1 TD, 13.7 YPR
Both teams had to replace their starters, and both have had players step up and fill in nicely. Posey and Moye in particular have really established themselves as 2 of the better receivers in the league, while Sanzenbacher, Powell, and Zug have all been steady contributors as well. Carter also looks to have a very bright future with the Buckeyes, and has contributed some significant plays this season. The stats more favor the Lions because of the overall production of the passing game and the importance it has in their offense, but both teams have young players who are playing well now and it appears the sky is the proverbial limit for.
Edge: Even
Tight Ends
TE #10 Andrew Quarless (6-5, 258, SR, Uniondale HS, Uniondale, NY)
This unit has become a strength of the team, which has been especially important in the passing game as they had to replace all 3 receivers. Quarless has spent so much time in Joe Paterno's doghouse that he installed air conditioning, but this year given one final chance the senior has been a critical and effective weapon. He has 25 catches and 340 yards on the season, including 91 yards and a TD at Michigan. He still isn't a particularly good blocker, but he has worked at it some and isn't terrible at it. He does create a ton of matchup problems for opposing back 7 units, and he will be a handful for the Buckeye linebackers and/or secondary this weekend, as Penn State will doubtlessly look to exploit his good size and effective speed. Backing up Quarless is steady second generation player Mickey Shuler (#82). The senior has had a fine career at Penn State, and is their best blocker at the position. He is also effective in the passing game, with 9 receptions for 73 yards and 2 TDs thus far. He will see the field early and often for the Lions.
TE Rating: A
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State TEs
Quarless: 25 catches, 340 yards, 1 TD, 13.6 YPR
Ballard: 9 catches, 98 yards, 0 TDs, 10.9 YPR
Penn State's TEs have been critical for the effectiveness of the passing game. Quarless is extremely effective over the middle and on intermediate routes, and he will probably be a featured player for the Lions on Saturday. Shuler is not exceptionally big but he is an effective blocker and is good in the red zone. Ballard is a solid player and a consistent contributor, but the Lions have the clear edge here.
Edge: Penn State
Offensive Line
LT #73 Dennis Landolt (6-4, 306, SR, Holy Cross HS, Burlington, NJ)
LG #74 Johnnie Troutman (6-4, 309, SO, Pemberton Township HS, Brown Mills, NJ)
C #61 Stefen Wisniewski (6-3, 297, JR, Pittsburgh Central Catholic HS, Bridgeville, PA)
RG #77 Lou Eliades (6-4, 310, JR, Ocean Township HS, Ocean, NJ)
RT #79 Ako Poti (6-4, 306, SR, CC San Francisco, Daly City, CA)
Of all the Lion subunits, this one has clearly struggled the most. The run blocking has steadily improved over the course of the season, but the pass blocking has not been especially good, forcing Clark to scramble and release the ball faster than he wants to many times. In their defense, they replaced several key pieces this season and arguably they have their two best players playing out of position. As a result, the line has struggled for significant stretches of the season. Their best player is probably Wisniewski, who is really a natural guard but has shifted to the middle following the turnover from last season's line. He started 12 games last season and is the anchor of this year's unit. He is a smart player with a nasty disposition (much like previous Wisniewskis you may remember) who is a solid blocker in both run and pass situations. The other returning starter is Landolt, who started every game the previous 2 seasons at right tackle, a position he is probably best suited for. He has struggled some on the left side this season, but he has developed into a solid performer on the left side and he brings a great deal of effort and experience to the unit. On the right side, Poti is the third player to start at right tackle this season, replacing the injured DeOn'tae Pannell (#50) and Nerraw McCormack (#72). He was an All-American in junior college and can play both guard and tackle, so he is mobile and versatile. Pannell started the first 4 games and McCormack started the fifth, but they appear to still be limited by injury and to have been replaced by Poti in the lineup. The guard play has been especially problematic for the Lions this season. On the left side, Matt Stankiewitch (#54) began the year as the starter, but was replaced after 2 games by Troutman. Troutman has a good frame and good strength, but he hasn't been as effective as the Lions would like. Production at this position has been sporadic. On the right side, Eliades has started every game after being the reserve right tackle last season. He has good size, much like Troutman, but he hasn't quite generated the push the Lions need on a consistent basis. The right side has been especially inconsistent because of the loss of experience and the injuries at tackle.
Pannell is now listed as the backup at left tackle, with McCormack serving as the primary backup on the right side. The reserve guards are Stankiewitch and sophomore Quinn Barham (#67). Junior Doug Klopacz (#68) serves as the reserve in the middle.
OL Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State OL
This is a critical game for both schools, and Ohio State continues to show improvement at the right time. Similarly, the Lions also struggled early but have gelled more as a unit in recent weeks and have generated the push in the running game that they had hoped they would have all season. The pass blocking still remains suspect, however, something the Buckeyes have also seen their share of issues with. Where the Lions suffer is in depth, where they have virtually no high quality players off the bench if someone gets injured. They do have players with some game experience, but some of those have been replaced in the lineup. The Buckeyes have had their own share of problems, but with Boren back the Buckeye line is a shade better than Penn State's.
Edge: Ohiio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
Supporters will tell you that other than the final 2 1/2 quarters of the Iowa game, this has been a very good offense for most of the season. Detractors will tell you that other than Iowa, this team hasn't played anyone good enough to say whether it is really a good offense or not. Clearly, this offense, not surprisingly, has its share of talent, and Clark and Royster give it some quality veteran leadership. The offense has been very good at not turning the ball over the past 4 games or so, which will be especially important as they face an opportunistic and hungry Buckeye defense. It will be imperative for the Lions to establish the run to try and keep some pressure off of Clark and for the Lions to play a clean game without turning the football over. The same can be said for the Buckeyes, of course. Penn State's version of the spread has worked relatively well this season, and Clark has many Michael Robinson-like qualities that have bailed out the Lions in some key situations when the running game wasn't working well and receivers weren't getting separation or the pass blocking was suspect. When Clark had his bad game, the Lions had no answer. So, as the QB play goes, so goes the Lion offense, despite the quality of Royster and the improving ground game. Despite differences in some aspects of philosophy and style between the two schools, this game will come down to turnovers, quarterback play, and the ability to gain 4-5 yards a carry on the ground for both teams. Both defenses are very good, so both offenses have their work cut out for them, as last season's 13-6 score can attest to. The Lions are at home and think they are ready. Saturday we will all see.
Overall Offensive Rating: B
2009 Penn State Nittany Lions Defensive Preview After throwing for 2593 yards and 19 TDs a season ago and leading his team to within a point of an undefeated regular season, Clark entered his senior season looking to push the Lions to the precipice of the National Championship game one more time in the Paterno era. Then he ran into Iowa...again. Still, there's no denying that Clark has provided much of the same leadership and toughness that predecessor Michael Robinson did, while at the same time making Lion fans forget the often ghastly Anthony Morelli era of 2007. There is no doubt that this team has a reasonably solid running game, but this team will most definitely go as far as Clark can carry them himself, as evidenced by his virtuoso performances (Michigan, Northwestern) and his duds (Iowa). Clark has eclipsed the 200 yard passing mark 6 times this season, and has thrown at least 3 TDs four separate times. He feasted on the cupcake empire that was put in front of him early, including throwing for a season high 353 yards in the opener against Akron and throwing 11 TD passes in non-conference play. The Iowa game was an unmitigated disaster, as Clark went 12 for 32 for 198 yards, one TD and 3 very costly INTs. As great players do, however, he responded with authority the following week against Illinois, throwing for an efficient 175 yards and rushing for 83 yards and 2 scores. He then burned Minnesota for 287 yards and a TD, Michigan for 230 yards and 4 TDs, and Northwestern for 274 yards and a TD, all without throwing an INT and chipping in 2 rushing TDs in that 3 game span. He is big and strong and has a powerful arm, but he has learned to throw intermediate passes with a good deal of touch and has made good decisions with the ball the past month. In addition, he isn't a "running" QB per se, but he can be deadly on a scramble (he had a 51 yarder against Illinois) or QB draw and he is effective at running for short yardage, particularly in the red zone, as his 5 rushing TDs attest to. He has also only taken 8 sacks, so he is very effective at getting rid of the football quickly or scrambling for what yardage he can get, which is all the more impressive considering the suspect line he has been playing behind. Some Buckeye fans may be looking for another Clark implosion similar to the Iowa game, but since that meltdown (5 games), he has thrown 9 TDs with only 1 INT, while also adding 5 rushing TDs in that span and only taking 3 sacks. Couple that with his modest but relatively mistake free performance in leading the Lions to a win in Columbus last year, and it appears as if Clark will probably play well Saturday as he attempts to carry his team back to another conference title.
The backup is freshman Kevin Newsome (#12). He has limited action this season, as expected. He didn't look especially good early in the season, but he played better against Eastern Illinois, completing 4 of 5 for 34 yards and carrying 7 times for 49 yards and a score. He may very well have a bright future, but if Clark sustains a significant injury, the Lions are in trouble Saturday.
QB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State QBs
Clark: 166/263 (63.1%), 2158 yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs, 149.3 rating; 48/148, 5 TDs
Pryor: 113/207 (54.6%), 1543 yards, 13 TDs, 9 INTs, 129.2 rating; 110/554, 6 TDs
Both QBs had meltdown games, Pryor against Purdue and Clark against Iowa. Since those contests, both players have shown significant improvement, with Clark playing especially well over the past 5 games. His performance against Michigan was especially good, though the defense he sees this weekend will much more resemble Iowa's in quality. Pryor has had plenty of ups and downs as Buckeye Nation lives with the growing pains of an uber-hyped prospect who is eager to succeed, but is learning a new system and a new way to play the position and is doing so "on the job", so to speak. It will be interesting to see how much freedom Pryor has...he is most effective when he can use his creativity when plays break down, though he is also prone to the bad throw in those situations. Clark doesn't run as much as he probably could, but is effective when he does and has a quick release, so he doesn't take many sacks. The QB play will go a long way in determining the winner of this game. Give Clark the slight edge because he is more polished, is playing with quite a bit of confidence after the past 5 games, and is better at distributing the football. Pryor, however, has a golden opportunity to secure a signature win against a good defense and establish himself as the dominant force that everyone predicted he would be, and he has the chance to do so against the team that heavily recruited him in his home state, with many people saying "Thank goodness we didn't get him" when he was struggling. One also imagines he still has the bad taste of last year's home loss in his mouth as well. Don't be surprised if he takes the opportunity and makes the most of it.
Edge: Penn State
Running Backs
TB #22 Evan Royster (6-1, 213, JR, Westfield HS, Fairfax, VA)
Royster rushed for 1236 yards and 12 TDs last season, and he entered the 2009 campaign with designs on improving those numbers in his second year as the starter. Not surprisingly, the turnover and struggles along the line have hindered those efforts to an extent, particularly early in the year, but he is on pace to get back within the vicinity of last year's production. Royster doesn't have blazing speed, but he is very effective between the tackles and is a good "north-south" runner. He has cracked the 100 yard mark 5 times this season, including the previous 3 games, meaning he and the line are becoming more effective as the season wears on. The past 3 contests, he had 137 yards against Minnesota, 100 against Michigan, and 118 last week against Northwestern on only 15 carries. After scoring in each of the first 3 games, he hasn't found the end zone often, scoring just twice since, though Clark has assumed most of the short yardage carries around the goal line, so those numbers aren't completely surprising. The running game hasn't been nearly as explosive as the Lions hoped, and that was particularly the case against Iowa, where Royster was held to 69 yards rushing on 17 carries and Penn State suffered their only loss. The Lions will probably try and establish the run early, and will feature it often if they grab a lead in the 2nd half. Royster is effective but not especially explosive as a receiver, having made 11 receptions for 145 yards thus far. He did have a TD against Syracuse in that regard, so it will be important for the Buckeyes not to lose sight of him, especially in the screen game. Last year against the Buckeyes, Royster had 77 yards on the ground and an additional 20 on 3 receptions, modest production but good enough to help spring the upset in Columbus.
Royster's backup is the explosive sophomore Stephfon Green (#21). He had 120 yards and scored a TD against Illinois this season, and he has blazing speed and is a consistent home run threat on the ground and as a pass receiver. He didn't play the past 2 weeks due to injury. In Green's absence, sophomore Brandon Beachum (#3) has played a more prominent role. He has 20 or more yards on the ground each of the past 4 games, including a TD last week against the Wildcats. He's a larger back (6-0, 218) more in the mold of Royster. Junior Brent Carter (#32) also sees the field occasionally.
At fullback, the Lions have a nice player in sophomore Joe Suhey (#37), whose father and grandfather both played at Penn State. He's a good blocker who also has 38 yards on the ground and 14 catches on the season, so he sees the ball quite a bit in their offense.
RB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State RBs
Royster: 145/859 yards, 5 TDs, 5.9 YPC; 11 rec/145 yards, 1 TD, 13.2 YPR
Green: 49/248 yards, 3 TDs, 5.1 YPC; 3 rec/37 yards, 0 TDs, 12.3 YPR
Saine: 88/439 yards, 1 TD, 5.0 YPC; 10 rec/143 yards, 0 TDs, 14.3 YPR
Herron: 72/307 yards, 6 TDs, 4.3 YPC; 5 rec/34 yards, 0 TDs, 6.8 YPR
Royster has been a productive back for the past 3 seasons for the Lions. He is a nice back with good strength between the tackles ad a fair bit of speed when he gets out in the open. Green is a nice complement when healthy, as he has the breakaway speed on the outside that can bring something explosive to the gameplan and force the defense to alter their strategy. His health is of particular importance in this game for the Lions, as they will need potential playmakers against the ferocious Buckeye defense. For the Buckeyes, health has been a big concern in recent weeks, and the line play hasn't helped them establish much of a consistent threat on the ground. Though Saine and Herron are good backs, they haven't quite shown the high level of consistent quality Buckeye fans are used to seeing in past players like Beanie Wells. Saine and Herron are hopefully on the mend, and the line has played better since the debacle at Purdue. The Buckeyes will absolutely need to establish some sort of rushing presence early in this game to take some pressure off of Pryor and control the clock for their defense, who will be playing with especially high energy in this game. Both teams have some reasonable depth, and both seem to have young players who can emerge as future stars. The overall talent level top to bottom probably favors Ohio State, but current production and a healthy Royster slightly favor Penn State.
Edge: Penn State
Wide Receivers
WR #6 Derek Moye (6-5, 198, SO, Rochester HS, Rochester, PA)
WR #2 Chaz Powell (6-1, 197, SO, Susquehannock HS, New Freedom, PA)
WR #5 Graham Zug (6-2, 183, JR, Manheim Central HS, Manheim, PA)
The Lions had to replace 3 of their top 4 career leaders in receiving, but it hasn't hurt them as much as one would have expected. In 2009, Moye, Powell, and Zug have stepped up their respective games and played at a level that not many were expecting. Last year, these 3 players combined for 16 receptions total. This year, they each have at least 26 and 350 yards receiving. Moye played sparingly last season, but has stepped up to be the top target for Clark. He has 39 receptions, including 6 in each of the past 3 games. He has broken the 100 yard plateau 3 times, in the opener against Akron and in Big Ten play against Minnesota and Northwestern. He has 5 receiving TDs, aided by his height and ability to make circus sideline catches. Powell also played sparingly last year. This season he has 26 catches for 355 yards and 3 TDs. He was one of the few Lions to have a good game against Iowa, snagging 3 passes for 96 yards and a score. He had 5 catches for 39 yards last week after being shut out in the Michigan game. Zug played more in 2008, snagging 11 receptions. This year, he has 30 for 350 yards and 5 scores. After 2 good games to start the season, he was fairly quiet until the Michigan game, where he exploded for 3 TDs in just 5 receptions. His combination of height and speed can create matchup problems in zone coverages. Collectively, this unit has been very good in that different players have stepped up in different weeks, and Clark has done a nice job of distributing the ball to each player over the course of the season, similar to what they had in recent years with Butler, Norwood, and Williams. This creates an inability for defenses to focus on a specific player and gives the Lions plenty of options, depending on the strengths and tendencies of the opponent.
The backups have not produced a great deal for the Lions. Junior Brett Brackett (#83) is the player with the most experience in the program, and he has just 2 catches this season, though one was for a TD. Freshmen Curtis Drake (#7) and Devon Smith (#20) play some and have a combined 7 receptions on the season. Fellow freshman Justin Brown (#19) caught a 27 yarder last weekend against Northwestern.
WR Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State WRs
Moye: 39 catches, 648 yards, 5 TDs, 16.6 YPR
Powell: 26 catches, 355 yards, 3 TDs, 13.7 YPR
Zug: 30 catches, 350 yards, 5 TDs, 11.7 YPR
Posey: 43 catches, 595 yards, 6 TDs, 13.8 YPR
Sanzenbacher: 23 catches, 460 yards, 6 TDs, 20.0 YPR
Carter: 12 catches, 164 yards, 1 TD, 13.7 YPR
Both teams had to replace their starters, and both have had players step up and fill in nicely. Posey and Moye in particular have really established themselves as 2 of the better receivers in the league, while Sanzenbacher, Powell, and Zug have all been steady contributors as well. Carter also looks to have a very bright future with the Buckeyes, and has contributed some significant plays this season. The stats more favor the Lions because of the overall production of the passing game and the importance it has in their offense, but both teams have young players who are playing well now and it appears the sky is the proverbial limit for.
Edge: Even
Tight Ends
TE #10 Andrew Quarless (6-5, 258, SR, Uniondale HS, Uniondale, NY)
This unit has become a strength of the team, which has been especially important in the passing game as they had to replace all 3 receivers. Quarless has spent so much time in Joe Paterno's doghouse that he installed air conditioning, but this year given one final chance the senior has been a critical and effective weapon. He has 25 catches and 340 yards on the season, including 91 yards and a TD at Michigan. He still isn't a particularly good blocker, but he has worked at it some and isn't terrible at it. He does create a ton of matchup problems for opposing back 7 units, and he will be a handful for the Buckeye linebackers and/or secondary this weekend, as Penn State will doubtlessly look to exploit his good size and effective speed. Backing up Quarless is steady second generation player Mickey Shuler (#82). The senior has had a fine career at Penn State, and is their best blocker at the position. He is also effective in the passing game, with 9 receptions for 73 yards and 2 TDs thus far. He will see the field early and often for the Lions.
TE Rating: A
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State TEs
Quarless: 25 catches, 340 yards, 1 TD, 13.6 YPR
Ballard: 9 catches, 98 yards, 0 TDs, 10.9 YPR
Penn State's TEs have been critical for the effectiveness of the passing game. Quarless is extremely effective over the middle and on intermediate routes, and he will probably be a featured player for the Lions on Saturday. Shuler is not exceptionally big but he is an effective blocker and is good in the red zone. Ballard is a solid player and a consistent contributor, but the Lions have the clear edge here.
Edge: Penn State
Offensive Line
LT #73 Dennis Landolt (6-4, 306, SR, Holy Cross HS, Burlington, NJ)
LG #74 Johnnie Troutman (6-4, 309, SO, Pemberton Township HS, Brown Mills, NJ)
C #61 Stefen Wisniewski (6-3, 297, JR, Pittsburgh Central Catholic HS, Bridgeville, PA)
RG #77 Lou Eliades (6-4, 310, JR, Ocean Township HS, Ocean, NJ)
RT #79 Ako Poti (6-4, 306, SR, CC San Francisco, Daly City, CA)
Of all the Lion subunits, this one has clearly struggled the most. The run blocking has steadily improved over the course of the season, but the pass blocking has not been especially good, forcing Clark to scramble and release the ball faster than he wants to many times. In their defense, they replaced several key pieces this season and arguably they have their two best players playing out of position. As a result, the line has struggled for significant stretches of the season. Their best player is probably Wisniewski, who is really a natural guard but has shifted to the middle following the turnover from last season's line. He started 12 games last season and is the anchor of this year's unit. He is a smart player with a nasty disposition (much like previous Wisniewskis you may remember) who is a solid blocker in both run and pass situations. The other returning starter is Landolt, who started every game the previous 2 seasons at right tackle, a position he is probably best suited for. He has struggled some on the left side this season, but he has developed into a solid performer on the left side and he brings a great deal of effort and experience to the unit. On the right side, Poti is the third player to start at right tackle this season, replacing the injured DeOn'tae Pannell (#50) and Nerraw McCormack (#72). He was an All-American in junior college and can play both guard and tackle, so he is mobile and versatile. Pannell started the first 4 games and McCormack started the fifth, but they appear to still be limited by injury and to have been replaced by Poti in the lineup. The guard play has been especially problematic for the Lions this season. On the left side, Matt Stankiewitch (#54) began the year as the starter, but was replaced after 2 games by Troutman. Troutman has a good frame and good strength, but he hasn't been as effective as the Lions would like. Production at this position has been sporadic. On the right side, Eliades has started every game after being the reserve right tackle last season. He has good size, much like Troutman, but he hasn't quite generated the push the Lions need on a consistent basis. The right side has been especially inconsistent because of the loss of experience and the injuries at tackle.
Pannell is now listed as the backup at left tackle, with McCormack serving as the primary backup on the right side. The reserve guards are Stankiewitch and sophomore Quinn Barham (#67). Junior Doug Klopacz (#68) serves as the reserve in the middle.
OL Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State OL
This is a critical game for both schools, and Ohio State continues to show improvement at the right time. Similarly, the Lions also struggled early but have gelled more as a unit in recent weeks and have generated the push in the running game that they had hoped they would have all season. The pass blocking still remains suspect, however, something the Buckeyes have also seen their share of issues with. Where the Lions suffer is in depth, where they have virtually no high quality players off the bench if someone gets injured. They do have players with some game experience, but some of those have been replaced in the lineup. The Buckeyes have had their own share of problems, but with Boren back the Buckeye line is a shade better than Penn State's.
Edge: Ohiio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
Supporters will tell you that other than the final 2 1/2 quarters of the Iowa game, this has been a very good offense for most of the season. Detractors will tell you that other than Iowa, this team hasn't played anyone good enough to say whether it is really a good offense or not. Clearly, this offense, not surprisingly, has its share of talent, and Clark and Royster give it some quality veteran leadership. The offense has been very good at not turning the ball over the past 4 games or so, which will be especially important as they face an opportunistic and hungry Buckeye defense. It will be imperative for the Lions to establish the run to try and keep some pressure off of Clark and for the Lions to play a clean game without turning the football over. The same can be said for the Buckeyes, of course. Penn State's version of the spread has worked relatively well this season, and Clark has many Michael Robinson-like qualities that have bailed out the Lions in some key situations when the running game wasn't working well and receivers weren't getting separation or the pass blocking was suspect. When Clark had his bad game, the Lions had no answer. So, as the QB play goes, so goes the Lion offense, despite the quality of Royster and the improving ground game. Despite differences in some aspects of philosophy and style between the two schools, this game will come down to turnovers, quarterback play, and the ability to gain 4-5 yards a carry on the ground for both teams. Both defenses are very good, so both offenses have their work cut out for them, as last season's 13-6 score can attest to. The Lions are at home and think they are ready. Saturday we will all see.
Overall Offensive Rating: B
Returning Starters: 4
You know what you're getting when you play a Tom Bradley defense. Now in his 31st season under Joe Paterno, and his 10th running the defense, the Nittany Lions are once again among the nation's elite.
Stats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|Pass..|INT.| Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|3rd D..|PCT...|Red Zone.|PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
Penn State..|..9.3..|..254.8..|.84.1.|170.7.|.10.|..7..|.32..|.132..|42-134.|31%...|.12-21...|57%.|..6-21.|29%.|27:18|
Ohio State..|.11.7..|..260.0..|.86.4.|173.6.|.15.|..9..|.25..|.136..|43-133.|32%...|.12-15...|80%.|..9-15.|60%.|30:19|
* TOF = Time on Field (Opponent's T.O.P)
As the raw numbers reveal, Penn State fields one of the top defenses, statistically, in the nation and the top ranked unit in the Big Ten. When one considers also that Penn State requires 6.7 plays per point (46.9 per 7) and 27.3 yards per point (191.1 per 7) there can be little question that the Nitanny Lions are a formidable bunch. On the same metric, the Buckeyes require 5.6 plays and 22.3 yards per point (39.2 plays and 156.1 yards per 7) of their opponents. Importantly, however, while The Lions' numbers are better than Ohio State's, they are not far and away better. Thus, before we simply call the Penn State unit the better of the two units we should consider a fairly important factor as to why Penn State's numbers are as strong as they appear above. Strength of opponent. It is astonishing at how many bad offenses the Lions have faced, including Division I-AA Eastern Illinois. Consider that Penn State has acquired its total defense against the likes of offenses rated 119 (Akron), 106 (Syracuse), 104 (Temple) and 101 (Minnesota) and one begins to wonder how meaningful the raw numbers are. To be sure, Ohio State has faced some meager offenses as well, but only two are rated 101 or worse (Minnesota and #109 New Mexico State). When one averages out the Total Offenses faced, Penn State's average opponent - not including Eastern Illinois - is a pathetic 82.6th in the nation. The Buckeyes' average opponent is a far more respectable 65.2. The average rush offense Penn State has faced is 72, while the Buckeyes have put up similar numbers against rush offenses as have the Lions, but against teams with an average rank of 52.5. Likewise, the Buckeyes have faced an average passing attack rated 70.2, which is slightly better than the Lions' 77.4 rated opponent. Still, even with that information providing some meaning to the raw data, it still remains that the Penn State defense is the best group Ohio State has seen since week 2 against Southern California.
Defensive Line
RE #81 Jack Crawford (6-5, 256, So.)
LT #91 Jared Odrick (6-5, 296, Sr.)
RT #85 Ollie Ogbu (6-1, 285, Sr.)
LE #5 Jerome Hayes (6-2, 240, Sr.)
Odrick came off a broken ankle he sustained in 2007 and performed at a very high level, earning first team All Big Ten and has done nothing this season to suggest he is not worthy of the honor again. With great size he doesn't get pushed around on run downs and he's usually a step quicker than most guards making him a backfield presence from the interior. He has a D-Line leading 33 stops this season, 10 of which have come for loss with a team leading 6 sacks. Also manning the interior is Ogbu, a seasoned veteran who possesses all the talent to be nothing short of outstanding but that hasn't always translated in to numbers. Nonetheless, he makes opposing O-Linemen play to the whistle and can be counted on to plug up his side of the line on run downs in most cases. He has 24 tackles, 7 for loss with 2 sacks in 2009. Leading the team in tackles behind the LOS is Jack Crawford, a talented sophomore who only began playing the game a few years ago. Possessing a high level of raw talent and athleticism, Crawford is quickly establishing himself as a serious force. he has 28 tackles, 13 behind the line with 5.5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries. Another senior presence, Jerome Hayes, has overcome ACL tears in both knees sustained in back-to-back years. Despite being sidelined with injury, he's always been a vocal team leader and was even on the travel roster even though there was no hope he'd see action including the Ohio State game in 2008. He has 13 stops this season with 3.5 for loss and a sack.
Depth is provided by ends: #44 Kevion Latham (6-2, 254, Jr.), #39 Tom Golarz (6-1, 249, Sr.), #56 Eric Latimore (6-6, 270, Jr.), and tackles: #71 Devon Still (6-5, 294, Jr.), and #92 Chima Okoli (6-4, 293, Jr.) Among the reserves it is Latimore who leads the way in tackles with 15, 5.5 of which are for loss and 3.5 of which are sacks. A speed rush specialist, Latimore will see action on Saturday as the Lions try and rattle Terrelle Pryor. Still has 12 tackles, 3 for loss with 2 sacks and has played in each of Penn State's 9 games, while Latham has 7 tackles, 3 for loss with 1.5 sacks in 8 contests. Golarz has 2 stops in 7 games while Okoli has 1 tackle in 3 games.
DL Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus OSU DL
Despite losing Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans to the NFL, Penn State has essentially chugged right along without skipping a beat. There has to be some pause, inasmuch as the Nittany Lions haven't exactly been playing against superior level offenses, but that said, it's not as if the Buckeyes are bringing an unstoppable juggernaut into Happy Valley this Saturday either. When comparing Penn State's line to Ohio State's line, the raw numbers suggest that the edge should go to Penn State, but the statistical differences are largely offset by the caliber of opponent each club has played. The Buckeyes seem to have more depth in the rotation as well, with 8 D-Linemen having played in all 9 games, another one having played in 8 (Rob Rose) and a starter who has been injured (Larimore) having played in 6, while the Lions only go 7 or 8 deep. Considering those factors, a slight edge goes to the Ohio State front four, but, it won't be a big surprise if the Penn State D-Line plays as well or better than does Ohio State before the home crowd this weekend.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
SLB #45 Sean Lee (6-2, 236, Sr.)
MLB #43 Josh Hull (6-3, 240, Sr.)
WLB #11 Navorro Bowman (6-1, 232, Sr.)
While losing Sean Lee prior to the 2008 season was a heavy blow, Penn State reaps the rewards in 2009. A next level talent, Lee has made his way back from the knee injury which sidelined him last season and has recorded 49 tackles, 8 for loss with 2 sacks. On the other side, Bowman has returned from a suspension for off the field issues in the spring of 2008 to establish himself as a true force. Extremely quick, Bowman covers a large portion of real estate in a hurry, and he is quite able to deliver the bone jarring hit as well. He is second on the team in tackles with 53, 9 for loss with a sack, 1 INT and a team leading 2 fumble recoveries (tied with Crawford and Astorino). But despite the reputation of Lee and Bowman, they've been outperformed by Josh Hull who was Lee's replacement in 2008. A former walk-on, Hull has made the most of his opportunity as he makes play after play while on the field. Hull has 82 tackles, 7.5 for loss with 2 sacks and team leading 2 INTs.
Depth is provided by LBs: #34 Nate Stupar (6-1, 236, Jr.), #33 Mike Yancich (6-2, 223, So.), #48 Chris Colasanti (6-2, 238, Jr.), #54 James Van Fleet (6-0, 216, So.), #15 Bani Gbadyu (6-1, 231, Sr.), and #9 Mike Zordich (6-1, 225, Fr.). Each of Gbadyu, Stupar and Zordich have played in all of Penn State's 9 games this season with Gbadyu leading the reserves with 34 tackles, .5 for loss. Stupar has 28 tackles, 1.5 for loss with a sack and a pick, while Zordich has 3 stops thus far in his freshman campaign. Colasanti has 13 stops with a sack in 7 games while Van Fleet has 5 stops in 8 games. While listed on the depth chart, Yancich has not yet recorded any tackles.
LB Rating: A
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus OSU LBs
You're pretty darn good at the LB position when Sean Lee an Navarro Bowman are, statistically, your second and third best tacklers. The PSU corps is the strength of the defense, which should come as little surprise at a place sometimes called "Linebacker U." As noted with the line, there has to be some attention paid to the fact that Penn State's opponents haven't exactly been the toughest, but there's no doubt about it - this group is very, very good. The Buckeyes have enjoyed excellent play out of their LB corps as well this season, particularly by team tackles leader Brian Rolle who should earn some serious hardware before his playing days at Ohio State are over. But, even as good as the Buckeyes have been, and even though it's come against stiffer competition on the whole, the Lions have the edge in this match-up. Of course, it's close, and like the D-Line analysis above, it would not be a shock to see Ohio State outperform the Nittany Lions on Saturday.
Edge: Penn State
Secondary
CB #4 Knowledge Timmons (5-10, 182, Sr.)
FS #28 Drew Astorino (5-10, 194, Jr.)
SS #18 Nick Sukay (6-1, 213, Jr.)
CB #8 D'Anton Lynn (6-1, 198, So.)
Penn State's relative weakness coming into the season was the secondary which replaces each of last season's starters. Filling the shoes of All Big Ten Safety Anthony Scirrotto is the secondary's leader in tackles Drew Astorino. A gifted athlete, he has outstanding range and a good nose for the football, though there is still room for improvement as he matures in the starting role. He has 41 stops, 1 for loss with 1 pick and 2 fumble recoveries. Sukay has done a solid job at strong safety where he has recorded 32 tackles, with a pick and a fumble recovery after missing all of 2008 with an injury. Timmons replaces Lydell Sargeant and has been up to the task thus far, though that's not necessarily represented in the raw numbers. He has 17 tackles this season without a pick. Meanwhile Lynn has recorded 23 tackles with 1.5 for loss with half a sack.
Depth comes from corners: #1 A.J. Wallace (6-1, 195, Sr.), and #16 S. McCullough (6-0, 193, Sr.), and safeties: #7 Cedric Jeffries (6-2, 205, Sr.), #6 Gerald Hodges (6-2, 220, Fr), and #13 Andrew Dailey (6-2, 217, Jr.). Wallace has struggled staying healthy throughout his career and while quite gifted hasn't quite put it all together despite excellent size and athleticism. In this his final go around in college, Wallace has 27 tackles, 1 for loss with 2 picks. Jefferies has 10 in 9 games while Daily has 4 stops and a pick in 8. Hodges has also played in 8 contests and has 3 stops while McCullough has 1 tackle in 2 games.
DB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus OSU DBs
You don't replace 4 starters and get better, but the Penn State secondary has performed well enough regardless. Again, some of this has to be due to the quality of offense the Nittany Lions have faced this season which includes passing offenses ranked as low as 110 (Temple), 104 (Illinois), 101 (Akron) and D-IAA Eastern Illinois. Still, giving up just 170 yards per game is nothing to sneeze at and the Nittany Lions' secondary is far from a liability. Likewise, it's not like Ohio State's passing game has teams running for cover and as such the Lions' secondary can't be particularly worried this week. The Buckeye secondary has also faced some fairly poor passing attacks (Navy, 118, New Mexico State 117, Illinois 104), but has been better at creating turnovers while also shutting down virtually every passing attack they face (including 13th in the nation Toledo.) The Buckeyes are deeper and despite a slight disadvantage in the "raw" numbers get the slight edge here.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Penn State's defense might look a little better statistically than it actually is, but that should not be mistaken in to thinking that Penn State's defense is "fake good." This unit, if not the best unit Ohio State will see in 2009, is certainly the best unit the Buckeyes will have seen since USC in week two. The Nittany Lions can't be particularly concerned about Ohio State's offense which has struggled over the course of the year, though putting up fine numbers against lesser opponents. It will be interesting to see if Terrelle Pryor plays "the game of his life" against Penn State, since the young signal caller hails from Pennsylvannia and bore the responsibility for Ohio State's heartbreaking loss in the 'Shoe a year ago. If Pryor plays like a man on a mission, Penn State could be in some trouble - especially if that mission includes Pryor hitting his passes against a youngish (playing experience wise) secondary, but there is no assurance that will happen this weekend. The D-Line has had success getting to QBs and a lot of what happens Saturday may instead depend on Pryor's very able legs.
Overall Defensive Rating: A-
2009 Penn State Nittany Lions Special Teams Preview Stats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|Pass..|INT.| Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|3rd D..|PCT...|Red Zone.|PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
Penn State..|..9.3..|..254.8..|.84.1.|170.7.|.10.|..7..|.32..|.132..|42-134.|31%...|.12-21...|57%.|..6-21.|29%.|27:18|
Ohio State..|.11.7..|..260.0..|.86.4.|173.6.|.15.|..9..|.25..|.136..|43-133.|32%...|.12-15...|80%.|..9-15.|60%.|30:19|
* TOF = Time on Field (Opponent's T.O.P)
As the raw numbers reveal, Penn State fields one of the top defenses, statistically, in the nation and the top ranked unit in the Big Ten. When one considers also that Penn State requires 6.7 plays per point (46.9 per 7) and 27.3 yards per point (191.1 per 7) there can be little question that the Nitanny Lions are a formidable bunch. On the same metric, the Buckeyes require 5.6 plays and 22.3 yards per point (39.2 plays and 156.1 yards per 7) of their opponents. Importantly, however, while The Lions' numbers are better than Ohio State's, they are not far and away better. Thus, before we simply call the Penn State unit the better of the two units we should consider a fairly important factor as to why Penn State's numbers are as strong as they appear above. Strength of opponent. It is astonishing at how many bad offenses the Lions have faced, including Division I-AA Eastern Illinois. Consider that Penn State has acquired its total defense against the likes of offenses rated 119 (Akron), 106 (Syracuse), 104 (Temple) and 101 (Minnesota) and one begins to wonder how meaningful the raw numbers are. To be sure, Ohio State has faced some meager offenses as well, but only two are rated 101 or worse (Minnesota and #109 New Mexico State). When one averages out the Total Offenses faced, Penn State's average opponent - not including Eastern Illinois - is a pathetic 82.6th in the nation. The Buckeyes' average opponent is a far more respectable 65.2. The average rush offense Penn State has faced is 72, while the Buckeyes have put up similar numbers against rush offenses as have the Lions, but against teams with an average rank of 52.5. Likewise, the Buckeyes have faced an average passing attack rated 70.2, which is slightly better than the Lions' 77.4 rated opponent. Still, even with that information providing some meaning to the raw data, it still remains that the Penn State defense is the best group Ohio State has seen since week 2 against Southern California.
Defensive Line
RE #81 Jack Crawford (6-5, 256, So.)
LT #91 Jared Odrick (6-5, 296, Sr.)
RT #85 Ollie Ogbu (6-1, 285, Sr.)
LE #5 Jerome Hayes (6-2, 240, Sr.)
Odrick came off a broken ankle he sustained in 2007 and performed at a very high level, earning first team All Big Ten and has done nothing this season to suggest he is not worthy of the honor again. With great size he doesn't get pushed around on run downs and he's usually a step quicker than most guards making him a backfield presence from the interior. He has a D-Line leading 33 stops this season, 10 of which have come for loss with a team leading 6 sacks. Also manning the interior is Ogbu, a seasoned veteran who possesses all the talent to be nothing short of outstanding but that hasn't always translated in to numbers. Nonetheless, he makes opposing O-Linemen play to the whistle and can be counted on to plug up his side of the line on run downs in most cases. He has 24 tackles, 7 for loss with 2 sacks in 2009. Leading the team in tackles behind the LOS is Jack Crawford, a talented sophomore who only began playing the game a few years ago. Possessing a high level of raw talent and athleticism, Crawford is quickly establishing himself as a serious force. he has 28 tackles, 13 behind the line with 5.5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries. Another senior presence, Jerome Hayes, has overcome ACL tears in both knees sustained in back-to-back years. Despite being sidelined with injury, he's always been a vocal team leader and was even on the travel roster even though there was no hope he'd see action including the Ohio State game in 2008. He has 13 stops this season with 3.5 for loss and a sack.
Depth is provided by ends: #44 Kevion Latham (6-2, 254, Jr.), #39 Tom Golarz (6-1, 249, Sr.), #56 Eric Latimore (6-6, 270, Jr.), and tackles: #71 Devon Still (6-5, 294, Jr.), and #92 Chima Okoli (6-4, 293, Jr.) Among the reserves it is Latimore who leads the way in tackles with 15, 5.5 of which are for loss and 3.5 of which are sacks. A speed rush specialist, Latimore will see action on Saturday as the Lions try and rattle Terrelle Pryor. Still has 12 tackles, 3 for loss with 2 sacks and has played in each of Penn State's 9 games, while Latham has 7 tackles, 3 for loss with 1.5 sacks in 8 contests. Golarz has 2 stops in 7 games while Okoli has 1 tackle in 3 games.
DL Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus OSU DL
Despite losing Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans to the NFL, Penn State has essentially chugged right along without skipping a beat. There has to be some pause, inasmuch as the Nittany Lions haven't exactly been playing against superior level offenses, but that said, it's not as if the Buckeyes are bringing an unstoppable juggernaut into Happy Valley this Saturday either. When comparing Penn State's line to Ohio State's line, the raw numbers suggest that the edge should go to Penn State, but the statistical differences are largely offset by the caliber of opponent each club has played. The Buckeyes seem to have more depth in the rotation as well, with 8 D-Linemen having played in all 9 games, another one having played in 8 (Rob Rose) and a starter who has been injured (Larimore) having played in 6, while the Lions only go 7 or 8 deep. Considering those factors, a slight edge goes to the Ohio State front four, but, it won't be a big surprise if the Penn State D-Line plays as well or better than does Ohio State before the home crowd this weekend.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
SLB #45 Sean Lee (6-2, 236, Sr.)
MLB #43 Josh Hull (6-3, 240, Sr.)
WLB #11 Navorro Bowman (6-1, 232, Sr.)
While losing Sean Lee prior to the 2008 season was a heavy blow, Penn State reaps the rewards in 2009. A next level talent, Lee has made his way back from the knee injury which sidelined him last season and has recorded 49 tackles, 8 for loss with 2 sacks. On the other side, Bowman has returned from a suspension for off the field issues in the spring of 2008 to establish himself as a true force. Extremely quick, Bowman covers a large portion of real estate in a hurry, and he is quite able to deliver the bone jarring hit as well. He is second on the team in tackles with 53, 9 for loss with a sack, 1 INT and a team leading 2 fumble recoveries (tied with Crawford and Astorino). But despite the reputation of Lee and Bowman, they've been outperformed by Josh Hull who was Lee's replacement in 2008. A former walk-on, Hull has made the most of his opportunity as he makes play after play while on the field. Hull has 82 tackles, 7.5 for loss with 2 sacks and team leading 2 INTs.
Depth is provided by LBs: #34 Nate Stupar (6-1, 236, Jr.), #33 Mike Yancich (6-2, 223, So.), #48 Chris Colasanti (6-2, 238, Jr.), #54 James Van Fleet (6-0, 216, So.), #15 Bani Gbadyu (6-1, 231, Sr.), and #9 Mike Zordich (6-1, 225, Fr.). Each of Gbadyu, Stupar and Zordich have played in all of Penn State's 9 games this season with Gbadyu leading the reserves with 34 tackles, .5 for loss. Stupar has 28 tackles, 1.5 for loss with a sack and a pick, while Zordich has 3 stops thus far in his freshman campaign. Colasanti has 13 stops with a sack in 7 games while Van Fleet has 5 stops in 8 games. While listed on the depth chart, Yancich has not yet recorded any tackles.
LB Rating: A
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus OSU LBs
You're pretty darn good at the LB position when Sean Lee an Navarro Bowman are, statistically, your second and third best tacklers. The PSU corps is the strength of the defense, which should come as little surprise at a place sometimes called "Linebacker U." As noted with the line, there has to be some attention paid to the fact that Penn State's opponents haven't exactly been the toughest, but there's no doubt about it - this group is very, very good. The Buckeyes have enjoyed excellent play out of their LB corps as well this season, particularly by team tackles leader Brian Rolle who should earn some serious hardware before his playing days at Ohio State are over. But, even as good as the Buckeyes have been, and even though it's come against stiffer competition on the whole, the Lions have the edge in this match-up. Of course, it's close, and like the D-Line analysis above, it would not be a shock to see Ohio State outperform the Nittany Lions on Saturday.
Edge: Penn State
Secondary
CB #4 Knowledge Timmons (5-10, 182, Sr.)
FS #28 Drew Astorino (5-10, 194, Jr.)
SS #18 Nick Sukay (6-1, 213, Jr.)
CB #8 D'Anton Lynn (6-1, 198, So.)
Penn State's relative weakness coming into the season was the secondary which replaces each of last season's starters. Filling the shoes of All Big Ten Safety Anthony Scirrotto is the secondary's leader in tackles Drew Astorino. A gifted athlete, he has outstanding range and a good nose for the football, though there is still room for improvement as he matures in the starting role. He has 41 stops, 1 for loss with 1 pick and 2 fumble recoveries. Sukay has done a solid job at strong safety where he has recorded 32 tackles, with a pick and a fumble recovery after missing all of 2008 with an injury. Timmons replaces Lydell Sargeant and has been up to the task thus far, though that's not necessarily represented in the raw numbers. He has 17 tackles this season without a pick. Meanwhile Lynn has recorded 23 tackles with 1.5 for loss with half a sack.
Depth comes from corners: #1 A.J. Wallace (6-1, 195, Sr.), and #16 S. McCullough (6-0, 193, Sr.), and safeties: #7 Cedric Jeffries (6-2, 205, Sr.), #6 Gerald Hodges (6-2, 220, Fr), and #13 Andrew Dailey (6-2, 217, Jr.). Wallace has struggled staying healthy throughout his career and while quite gifted hasn't quite put it all together despite excellent size and athleticism. In this his final go around in college, Wallace has 27 tackles, 1 for loss with 2 picks. Jefferies has 10 in 9 games while Daily has 4 stops and a pick in 8. Hodges has also played in 8 contests and has 3 stops while McCullough has 1 tackle in 2 games.
DB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus OSU DBs
You don't replace 4 starters and get better, but the Penn State secondary has performed well enough regardless. Again, some of this has to be due to the quality of offense the Nittany Lions have faced this season which includes passing offenses ranked as low as 110 (Temple), 104 (Illinois), 101 (Akron) and D-IAA Eastern Illinois. Still, giving up just 170 yards per game is nothing to sneeze at and the Nittany Lions' secondary is far from a liability. Likewise, it's not like Ohio State's passing game has teams running for cover and as such the Lions' secondary can't be particularly worried this week. The Buckeye secondary has also faced some fairly poor passing attacks (Navy, 118, New Mexico State 117, Illinois 104), but has been better at creating turnovers while also shutting down virtually every passing attack they face (including 13th in the nation Toledo.) The Buckeyes are deeper and despite a slight disadvantage in the "raw" numbers get the slight edge here.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Penn State's defense might look a little better statistically than it actually is, but that should not be mistaken in to thinking that Penn State's defense is "fake good." This unit, if not the best unit Ohio State will see in 2009, is certainly the best unit the Buckeyes will have seen since USC in week two. The Nittany Lions can't be particularly concerned about Ohio State's offense which has struggled over the course of the year, though putting up fine numbers against lesser opponents. It will be interesting to see if Terrelle Pryor plays "the game of his life" against Penn State, since the young signal caller hails from Pennsylvannia and bore the responsibility for Ohio State's heartbreaking loss in the 'Shoe a year ago. If Pryor plays like a man on a mission, Penn State could be in some trouble - especially if that mission includes Pryor hitting his passes against a youngish (playing experience wise) secondary, but there is no assurance that will happen this weekend. The D-Line has had success getting to QBs and a lot of what happens Saturday may instead depend on Pryor's very able legs.
Overall Defensive Rating: A-
Returning Starters: 1
Penn State 2009 stats
Punting: #114 in the nation, 34 punts for 1362 yds, 40.06 avg, 9 touchbacks, 32.00 avg net
Kicking: 10 of 14 FGs, 34 of 34 PATs
Punt Returns: #101 in the nation, 18 returns for 98 yds, 5.44 avg
Kickoff Returns: #110 in the nation, 22 for 398 yds, 18.09 avg
Punt Return Defense: #113 in the nation, 9 for 134 yds, 14.89 avg
Kickoff Return Defense: #74 in the nation, 46 returns for 1012 yds, 22.00 avg, 8 touchbacks
Ohio State 2009 stats
Punting: #35 in the nation, 37 for 1410 yds, 38.11 avg, 1 touchback, 37.16 avg net
Kicking: Pettrey 13 of 19 FGs, 28 of 29 PATs, Barclay 1 of 3 FGs
Punt Returns: #93 in the nation, 28 returns for 171 yds, 6.11 avg
Kickoff Returns: #19 in the nation, 26 returns for 644 yds, 1 TD, 24.77 avg.
Punt Return Defense: #19 in the nation, 3 returns for 15 yds, 5.0 avg
Kickoff Return Defense: #13 in the nation, 50 returns for 940 yds, 18.8 avg, 3 touchbacks
For the 9th time in 10 games, the Ohio State Buckeyes will take on an opponent whose special teams statistically rank in the bottom quarter of teams in the FBS. The Nittany Lions have regressed (statistically at least) from last year's solid effort to rank amongst the worst in Div I football. In a game that is expected to be tight, this could be crucial.
Special Teams
Penn State
P #41 Jeremy Boone (5-9, 168, Sr., Mechanicsburgh Area HS, Mechanicsburgh, PA)
PK #36 Collin Wagner (5-9, 173, Sr., State College Area HS, State College, PA)
PR #22 Evan Royster (6-1, 213, Sr., Westfield HS, Fairfax, VA)
PR #28 Drew Astorino (5-10, 194, Jr., General McLane HS, Edinboro, PA)
KR #21 Stephfon Green (5-10, 197, Jr., John F. Kennedy HS, New York, NY)
KR #2 Chaz Powell (6-1, 197, Jr., Susquehannok HS, New Freedom, PA)
LS #40 Andrew Pitz (6-3, 228, Sr., Bettendorf HS, Bettendorf, IA)
Hldr #41 Jeremy Boone (5-9, 168, Sr., Mechanicsburgh Area HS, Mechanicsburgh, PA)
Ohio State
P #48 Jon Thoma (6-2, 201, Sr., St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Louisville, OH)
PK #20 Aaron Pettrey (6-2, 199, Sr., Raceland-Worthington HS, Raceland, KY)
or #12 Devin Barclay (5-11, 195, Jr., McDonough HS, Annapolis, MD)
LS #96 Jake McQuaide (6-2, 219, Jr., Elder HS, Cincinnati, OH)
Hldr #48 Jon Thoma (6-2, 201, Sr., St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Louisville, OH)
PR #82 Ray Small (5-11, 180, Sr., Glenville HS, Cleveland, OH)
PR #12 Dane Sanzenbacher (5-11, 175, Jr., Central Catholic HS, Toledo, OH)
PR #8 DeVier Posey (6-3, 205, So., LaSalle HS, Cincinnati, OH)
KR #7 Lamaar Thomas (5-11, 186, So., Friendly HS, Ft. Washington, MD)
KR #82 Ray Small (5-11, 180, Sr., Glenville HS, Cleveland, OH)
KR #3 Brandon Saine (6-1, 217, Jr., Piqua HS, Piqua, OH)
The Penn State Special Teams have taken quit a plunge this year in their stats from last year. They have dropped in every category, from punt returns to kickoff return defense. One highlight has been kicker Wagner who has hit on all of his PATs (34 of 34) and 10 of 14 FGs.
ST Rating: D
When Penn State kicks Head-to-Head: Wagner vs Thomas/Small/Saine
The Lions have not been as solid as last year in defending the kickoff return. They are allowing 22 yds per return, although they do have 8 touchbacks. The Buckeye return team continues to excel, averaging just shy of 25 yards per return with 1 TD. They will need to continue their success this week and provide the Ohio State offense with good field position against a stingy Penn State defense.
Edge: Ohio State
When Penn State Punts Head-to-Head: Boone vs Small/Sanzenbacher/Posey
The Buckeyes had a fine game last week against New Mexico State in returning punts, increasing their average per return by almost 1 full yard. The Nittany Lions are struggling against the punt return, allowing almost 15 yards per return. This is definitely something to watch to see who wins the battle of field position.
Edge: Ohio State
When Ohio State Kicks Head-to-Head: Barclay vs Green/Powell
With Pettrey out, this is no longer a decided Buckeyes advantage. With Barclay on the field, the Buckeye kickoff coverage team will need to step up. The Buckeye unit has played well, allowing only 18 yards and change per return, close to what Penn State is averaging.
Edge: Ohio State
When Ohio State Punts Head-to-Head: Thoma vs Royster/Astorino
Jon Thoma has carried the torch of fine OSU kickers and punters. The OSU punt return team has not allowed a return in weeks and are still sitting on giving up an average of only 5 yds per return. PSU is not having a good year returning punts, only getting an average of 5.44 yds per return. Again, this will be important in the battle of field position, and the Buckeyes are, on paper at least, looking good in this match-up.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis: Penn State has not looked good this year on special teams, especially when compared to the successful teams they had last year. The Lions will need to step up their play to win this crucial part of the game as the Buckeyes enjoy a statistical advantage in practically every aspect. Look for that to continue Saturday in State College.
Punting: #114 in the nation, 34 punts for 1362 yds, 40.06 avg, 9 touchbacks, 32.00 avg net
Kicking: 10 of 14 FGs, 34 of 34 PATs
Punt Returns: #101 in the nation, 18 returns for 98 yds, 5.44 avg
Kickoff Returns: #110 in the nation, 22 for 398 yds, 18.09 avg
Punt Return Defense: #113 in the nation, 9 for 134 yds, 14.89 avg
Kickoff Return Defense: #74 in the nation, 46 returns for 1012 yds, 22.00 avg, 8 touchbacks
Ohio State 2009 stats
Punting: #35 in the nation, 37 for 1410 yds, 38.11 avg, 1 touchback, 37.16 avg net
Kicking: Pettrey 13 of 19 FGs, 28 of 29 PATs, Barclay 1 of 3 FGs
Punt Returns: #93 in the nation, 28 returns for 171 yds, 6.11 avg
Kickoff Returns: #19 in the nation, 26 returns for 644 yds, 1 TD, 24.77 avg.
Punt Return Defense: #19 in the nation, 3 returns for 15 yds, 5.0 avg
Kickoff Return Defense: #13 in the nation, 50 returns for 940 yds, 18.8 avg, 3 touchbacks
For the 9th time in 10 games, the Ohio State Buckeyes will take on an opponent whose special teams statistically rank in the bottom quarter of teams in the FBS. The Nittany Lions have regressed (statistically at least) from last year's solid effort to rank amongst the worst in Div I football. In a game that is expected to be tight, this could be crucial.
Special Teams
Penn State
P #41 Jeremy Boone (5-9, 168, Sr., Mechanicsburgh Area HS, Mechanicsburgh, PA)
PK #36 Collin Wagner (5-9, 173, Sr., State College Area HS, State College, PA)
PR #22 Evan Royster (6-1, 213, Sr., Westfield HS, Fairfax, VA)
PR #28 Drew Astorino (5-10, 194, Jr., General McLane HS, Edinboro, PA)
KR #21 Stephfon Green (5-10, 197, Jr., John F. Kennedy HS, New York, NY)
KR #2 Chaz Powell (6-1, 197, Jr., Susquehannok HS, New Freedom, PA)
LS #40 Andrew Pitz (6-3, 228, Sr., Bettendorf HS, Bettendorf, IA)
Hldr #41 Jeremy Boone (5-9, 168, Sr., Mechanicsburgh Area HS, Mechanicsburgh, PA)
Ohio State
P #48 Jon Thoma (6-2, 201, Sr., St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Louisville, OH)
PK #20 Aaron Pettrey (6-2, 199, Sr., Raceland-Worthington HS, Raceland, KY)
or #12 Devin Barclay (5-11, 195, Jr., McDonough HS, Annapolis, MD)
LS #96 Jake McQuaide (6-2, 219, Jr., Elder HS, Cincinnati, OH)
Hldr #48 Jon Thoma (6-2, 201, Sr., St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Louisville, OH)
PR #82 Ray Small (5-11, 180, Sr., Glenville HS, Cleveland, OH)
PR #12 Dane Sanzenbacher (5-11, 175, Jr., Central Catholic HS, Toledo, OH)
PR #8 DeVier Posey (6-3, 205, So., LaSalle HS, Cincinnati, OH)
KR #7 Lamaar Thomas (5-11, 186, So., Friendly HS, Ft. Washington, MD)
KR #82 Ray Small (5-11, 180, Sr., Glenville HS, Cleveland, OH)
KR #3 Brandon Saine (6-1, 217, Jr., Piqua HS, Piqua, OH)
The Penn State Special Teams have taken quit a plunge this year in their stats from last year. They have dropped in every category, from punt returns to kickoff return defense. One highlight has been kicker Wagner who has hit on all of his PATs (34 of 34) and 10 of 14 FGs.
ST Rating: D
When Penn State kicks Head-to-Head: Wagner vs Thomas/Small/Saine
The Lions have not been as solid as last year in defending the kickoff return. They are allowing 22 yds per return, although they do have 8 touchbacks. The Buckeye return team continues to excel, averaging just shy of 25 yards per return with 1 TD. They will need to continue their success this week and provide the Ohio State offense with good field position against a stingy Penn State defense.
Edge: Ohio State
When Penn State Punts Head-to-Head: Boone vs Small/Sanzenbacher/Posey
The Buckeyes had a fine game last week against New Mexico State in returning punts, increasing their average per return by almost 1 full yard. The Nittany Lions are struggling against the punt return, allowing almost 15 yards per return. This is definitely something to watch to see who wins the battle of field position.
Edge: Ohio State
When Ohio State Kicks Head-to-Head: Barclay vs Green/Powell
With Pettrey out, this is no longer a decided Buckeyes advantage. With Barclay on the field, the Buckeye kickoff coverage team will need to step up. The Buckeye unit has played well, allowing only 18 yards and change per return, close to what Penn State is averaging.
Edge: Ohio State
When Ohio State Punts Head-to-Head: Thoma vs Royster/Astorino
Jon Thoma has carried the torch of fine OSU kickers and punters. The OSU punt return team has not allowed a return in weeks and are still sitting on giving up an average of only 5 yds per return. PSU is not having a good year returning punts, only getting an average of 5.44 yds per return. Again, this will be important in the battle of field position, and the Buckeyes are, on paper at least, looking good in this match-up.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis: Penn State has not looked good this year on special teams, especially when compared to the successful teams they had last year. The Lions will need to step up their play to win this crucial part of the game as the Buckeyes enjoy a statistical advantage in practically every aspect. Look for that to continue Saturday in State College.
Overall Special Teams Rating: D
Predictions
BB73's prediction: 17-13, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 24-13, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 17-14, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 13-10, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 13-10, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 27-14, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game's Results (tOSU 45, New Mexico State 0)
(136) BB73's prediction: 41-3, Ohio State (7 + 129 last week = 136)
(144) Bucky Katt's prediction: 37-0, Ohio State (8 + 136 last week = 144)
(170) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-3, Ohio State (3 + 167 last week = 170)
(178) Bucklion's prediction: 54-2, Ohio State (11 + 167 last week = 178)
(181) JCOSU86's prediction: 30-3, Ohio State (18 + 163 last week = 181)
(193) jwinslow's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (18 + 175 last week = 193)
(223) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (18 + 205 last week = 223)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 24-13, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 17-14, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 13-10, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 13-10, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 27-14, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game's Results (tOSU 45, New Mexico State 0)
(136) BB73's prediction: 41-3, Ohio State (7 + 129 last week = 136)
(144) Bucky Katt's prediction: 37-0, Ohio State (8 + 136 last week = 144)
(170) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-3, Ohio State (3 + 167 last week = 170)
(178) Bucklion's prediction: 54-2, Ohio State (11 + 167 last week = 178)
(181) JCOSU86's prediction: 30-3, Ohio State (18 + 163 last week = 181)
(193) jwinslow's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (18 + 175 last week = 193)
(223) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (18 + 205 last week = 223)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
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