Buckeyes Preview 10.21.16: Ohio State @ Penn State

By Jason Disantis, @JasonInCLE

The #2 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) are coming off of their biggest win of the season after going into Camp Randall last Saturday night and beating the then #8 Wisconsin Badgers in overtime. That game was a tale of two half's as the young Buckeyes were physically dominated in the first two quarters of that game.  Going into halftime Wisconsin had the better of Ohio State by the tune of 16-6.

The adjustments the Ohio State coaching staff made at half time were obvious and imperative as the Buckeyes fought their way back to take the game to overtime and eventually come out victorious.  After being down at the half the Buckeyes outscored the Badgers 24-7 the rest of the way.

"We did get outplayed.  I wouldn't say we got out-toughed.  They didn't out-effort us.  They had some very good stuff.  Very good team, very good coaches, and you keep swinging", Meyer said.

The Buckeyes will find themselves again on the road under the lights in a nationally televised game as they travel to Beaver Stadium Saturday night to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten).  The students of Penn State will be putting on a "white out" which is one of the great images and atmospheres in college sports.  Penn State is coming off of an extra week of preparation and a two game win streak.  The Nittany Lions gave Maryland their first loss of the year as Saquan Barkley ran for over 200 yards and quarterback Trace McSorley threw for two touchdowns.

Despite that win streak Penn State is giving up over 28 points and over 200 yards on the ground.  The Nittany Lions have had one game against a ranked opponent and it ended in a 49-10 curb stomping from Michigan.

Once again the Buckeyes relied on the arm and feet of J.T. Barrett to continue their trek towards the Big Ten championship.  The offensive player of the week for the Big Ten led the Buckeyes in passing and rushing totaling 318 yards and three touchdowns.  J.T. also set a new Ohio State career record for total touchdowns, passing former Buckeye quarterback Braxton Miller.

Despite not being ranked Penn State is a team on its way to a bowl birth and always provides a tough atmosphere on a Saturday night.  Ohio State will look to put a complete game together against the Nittany Lions and try to get their offense back in rhythm.  The Buckeyes would like nothing more than to see Mike Weber or Curtis Samuel lead them in rushing as oppose to J.T. Barrett.  The less punishment he has to take now the healthier he will be for some of the greater challenges down the road.

With every victory comes vital experience and a lesson learned, especially when they are on the road in a hostile setting.  These young Buckeyes get a chance to grow a little more come Saturday night.


What:  Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
When:  Saturday October 22, 2016 at 8:00 PM ET
Where:  Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania
Watch:  ABC
Line:  OSU -20, O/U 58