What's next for Ohio State football? An early glance at the Penn State Nittany Lions
The toughest test to date for Ohio State comes on Saturday when it visits Penn State for a top-15 matchup.
The Buckeyes have not faced a ranked team since their season opener against Notre Dame, though the Irish have since fallen outside the top-25 following multiple losses.
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But the last two weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster for the Nittany Lions.
They were blown out at Michigan on Oct. 15 and were bludgeoned at the line of scrimmage by the Wolverines. The 418 rushing yards they surrendered were their third-most allowed in a game since statistics were first kept in 1947.
Following their first loss, the Nittany Lions bounced back last weekend with a 45-17 win over Minnesota.
Quarterback Sean Clifford was booed by fans during pregame introductions at Beaver Stadium, but went on to throw for 295 yards and four touchdowns with one interception in his best statistical performance of the season.
Week 8: Ohio State (7-0) vs. Penn State (6-1)
Saturday, noon, FOX, 97.1 FM
Poll position
For the second consecutive week, the Buckeyes are No. 2 in the major polls, while Penn State is No. 13. The Nittany Lions had been as high as No. 10 before losing at Michigan.
Ohio State vs. Penn State point spread
The Buckeyes opened as 15-point favorites over the Nittany Lions, the fourth straight season they have been favored by double-digits over Penn State.
Penn State’s last game
Its win over the Golden Gophers by four touchdowns last Saturday was its largest over a Big Ten team this fall.
Penn State's strength
Despite a setback at Michigan, its strength is in the trenches. It held Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim to 3.4 yards per rush attempt, his lowest per-carry average since 2019. Before facing the Wolverines, who boast one of the nation’s top rushing offense, the Nittany Lions’ rush defense ranked in the top-five.
Penn State’s weakness
Clifford is an experienced passer, but has limitations. One is his arm. The Nittany Lions don’t stretch the field vertically well enough to take advantage of their talent at wide receiver. They are tied for sixth in the Big Ten with 26 passing plays of at least 20 yards.
Penn State’s player to watch
Joey Porter Jr. is a playmaking cornerback who has broken up 11 passes, tied for the second-most in the nation this season. The Buckeyes are loaded at wide receiver, but doesn’t give catches easily.
Penn State’s X-factor
Will Beaver Stadium be as hostile as in years past? Ohio State was the “white out” game for Penn State in 2018, 2016, 2014 and 2012, resulting in some especially raucous crowds. This will be the first day game between the teams in State College since 2009.
Ohio State-Penn State series history
The Buckeyes have won five consecutive games over Penn State since being upset in 2016, but most of the meetings have been close. The average margin of victory for Ohio State has been seven points.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at jkaufman@dispatch.com or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football early glance at Week 9 opponent Penn State
