Penn State vs. Ohio U.: How to watch, what to know for home opener
Penn State's potential-rich tight end group may be at full strength again for Saturday's home opener against Ohio.
While Brenton Strange, Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren bring more diversity and pass-catching options to the position than most others in the country, they continue to be a work in progress.
Johnson, probably the most talented of the group when it comes to size, speed and receiving, did not play in the opening victory at Purdue. He appears to be dealing with an injury issue.
"Obviously, everybody knows how much of a big-time player he is, how much respect we have for him both on and off the field," Franklin said of the 6-foot-6 Johnson. "So, hopefully, we're able to get him back sooner rather than later. Hopefully that's this week."
Without Johnson it was mixed results in the opener. Strange did turn a first-down catch into a rumbling, 67-yard touchdown as the first half was ending. Warren also hauled in a key pass on the game-winning touchdown drive.
But Warren also dropped a perfect throw earlier from backup quarterback Drew Allar, and Strange could not handle a tough catch opportunity down the right sideline. They combined for five catches and 100 yards − but can provide more, especially with Johnson.
"I think they have the ability to be big-time impact players for us," Franklin said.
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While their inconsistency catching the ball over the past year has drawn most of the attention, their biggest strides, now, must come in blocking, Franklin said.
"Having a physical, physical presence in the run game and finishing blocks because when we talk about the run game, it's not just the (offensive line), it's the o-line and tight ends together. ... I think they can be better in that area as well."
What time does Penn State play Ohio?
The Nittany Lions and Bobcats will kick off at noon Saturday.
What TV channel for Penn State vs. Ohio?
The game will be broadcast on ABC.
How can I watch Penn State vs. Ohio online via livestream?
Check out FuboTV with a free trial.
What are the odds for Penn State vs. Ohio?
Penn State is favored by 25.5 points. The over/under is 53.5 points, according to Tipico Sportsbook.
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Game day details
TV: Dave Pasch will handle play-by-play with Dusty Dvoracek on color commentary. Tom Luginbill will report from the sideline.
Radio: WSBA 910 AM, WGLD 1440 AM. Sirius/XM: 203, Penn State; 985, Ohio (online only)
Listen online:Penn State Sports Online Audio
Weather: A mix of sun and clouds, warming to near 80 degrees after kickoff. Winds light and variable.
Rankings: Neither team is ranked, though Penn State falls just outside the Top 25 in the Associated Press and AFCA Coaches polls.
Series: Penn State leads, 5-1. The Bobcats did win the last meeting in 2012, ruining Bill O'Brien's head coaching debut in Beaver Stadium.
MAC is back: Penn State will now play at least one team from the Mid-American Conference in 19 of the past 20 seasons. The only exception was the Big Ten-only schedule in 2020. The Lions are 28-3 all-time against the MAC.
School-record set: The Lions recorded a school-record 16 pass breakups in the opening victory at Purdue − the most by an FBS team in four years. Joey Porter, Jr. led the way with six breakups, also a PSU record.
Penn State
Head coach: James Franklin (68-34, 9th season at Penn State; 92-49, 12th season overall)
Last three seasons
2021: 7-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
2020: 4-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
2019: 11-2 (7-2 Big Ten)
Penn State 2022 schedule
9/1 at Purdue, W, 35-319/10 OHIO UNIVERSITY, noon9/17 at Auburn, 3:30 p.m. 9/24 CENTRAL MICHIGAN10/1 NORTHWESTERN10/15 at Michigan10/22 MINNESOTA, 7:30 p.m.10/29 OHIO STATE11/5 at Indiana11/12 MARYLAND11/19 at Rutgers11/26 MICHIGAN STATE
Recent Penn State coverage
Ohio
Head coach: Tim Albin (4-9, 2nd season at Ohio and overall)
2021 record: 3-9 (3-5 Mid-American)
2020 record: 2-1 (2-1 Mid-American)
2019 record: 7-6 (5-3 Mid-American)
Ohio 2022 schedule
9/3 FLORIDA ATLANTIC, W, 41-38 9/10 at Penn State, noon9/17 at Iowa State, 2 p.m.9/24 FORDHAM10/1 at Kent State, 3:30 p.m.10/8 AKRON, 2 p.m. 10/15 at Western Michigan, 3:30 p.m.10/22 NORTHERN ILLINOIS11/1 BUFFALO11/8 at Miami (Ohio)11/15 at Ball State, 7 p.m.11/22 BOWLING GREEN, 7 p.m. Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on Twitter @YDRPennState.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State: Big Ten and college football, Ohio, James Franklin
