Buckeyes Ready for PSU Showdown

Undefeated #3 Penn State comes to Columbus tonight for a showdown that will leave one team toe prohibitive favorite to win the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions have been on a roll all season, thrashing opponents with a powerful offense that averages over 45 points per game. The defense has been stout as well, giving up more 20 points once all season. Legendary coach Joe Paterno has his best team since 2003, the last time they won a conference title.

For Ohio State, the game is a chance to ressurect themselves from the dead. Left by USC as splattered roadkill on the side of the road in September, the Buckeyes are back in the hunt with Beanie Wells getting healthy and Terrelle Pryor at the helm. All week the top college football opinion makers discussed Ohio State's move up the rankings, typically with a caveat on how much fans around the country are dreading it. A big win will propel the Buckeyes right into the thick of the one-loss title contenders, and give Ohio State a great chance at another BCS berth.

There's been a lot of talk about history this week, particularly Penn State's struggles in the 'Shoe. They haven't won in Columbus since 1978, obviously notching zero victories since entering Big Ten play. Experts picking OSU to win believe that OSU's defense will be the strongest Penn State has faced all year. They saw Beanie and Terrelle put on a show in East Lansing last week, rounding into form just in time. Combine those factors with the home field advantage, and Ohio State looks like the team to beat.

But their best teams (94, 99, and 03) all played - and beat - the Buckeyes in Happy Valley. This Nittany Lions team has steamrolled through its schedule, and looked significantly better against common opponent Purdue and Wisconsin. And don't forget their thrashing of Oregon State, a quality nonconference opponent. That "OSU" has a fairly impressive resume, including a win against USC.

So who really has the edge? In truth, they're probably evenly matched. Both quarterbacks will have opportunities; Clark must be accurate and hit his talented receivers against Ohio State's zone coverage. Pryor will rely on his legs, as usual, but if he does not generate a passing threat, it really hurts Beanie. It's imperative that OSU use the rambunctious crowd to get an early lead or stay within one score. This is not a team designed to play from behind. On the defensive side, there will be two key indicators. Do they Buckeyes get a pass rush? And can they shut down PSU on third downs? These have caused problems for OSU at times, and it's unlikely the Buckeyes can win in a shootout.


I think the crowd is going to rowdy and unbelievably loud - a sea of scarlet cheering on OSU. Think Texas '05 or Michigan '06. Pessimistically, this does have the feel of '05, when a conservative Ohio State team couldn't manage enough offense to topple JoePa. But Jim Tressel has saved his best coaching for the conference, and I'm sure the Buckeyes will come in focused. It's the tipping point for the season - for Beanie's sore foot, for Pryor's next big shot in the spotlight, and for the seniors that came back to win an unprecedented third outright title.

It's going to be a long afternoon waiting...