OK, I'll start this game thread. The Buckeyes are 3.5 point favorites despite the white out. Penn State's new running back looks like a clone of Barkley. Ohio State's defense will be sure to "test" him. My head says the Buckeyes are gonna shellac the Nitts but my heart....eh, I guess a tie aint possible.
Penn State's new running back (Miles Sanders) is really good, but he isn't a clone of Barkley. Sanders doesn't have the breakaway speed, size or pass catching ability that Barkley had. However, Sanders is playing behind a much better offensive line, and behind a tight end that can actually block. He's also more likely to take the 2-3 yard gain, rather than dance around looking for the huge run. Due to these factors, Miles isn't as likely to break a huge run, but he's much more consistent and the team tends to be "on schedule" more often. This allows for much easier 3rd down conversions.
My head also says the Buckeyes are going to shellac my Nittany lions.
1. Penn State's run defense has been average or below average all year.
2. Ditto for their pass rush. Last year Penn State had their best Dlineman injured in the second half. This pretty much ended Penn State's ability to rush the passer and allowed JT Barrett to go wild. Turns out that was a career ending injury for Buckholtz. Penn State has talent, but they are young and lack experience.
3. Penn State's secondary is actually pretty good, but if there is no pass rush, Haskins will pick them apart. Even the best cornerbacks will have troubles covering a wide receiver for more than a few seconds.
4. Ohio State's offensive line looks even better than it normally does.
5. With that said, the whiteout will help the defense tremendously. However, I don't foresee Penn State holding OSU to less than 35 points.
Penn State's offense is different than last year, but still very good.
1. The loss of Barkley is somewhat offset by the factors described above.
2. The loss of Gesicki is pretty big, but his replacements have proven to be excellent blockers.
3. Penn State really misses the sure hands of Hamilton, but the new crop of wide receivers are also more likely to make huge plays. I sometimes get the feeling that every pass is either going to be dropped, called back by penalty, or go for a touchdown.
4. There's a lack of consistency that will likely bite them sooner or later, and it is likely Ohio State will do the biting.
5. I still think PSU is good for at least 24 points, based upon McSorely's consistency and the offense's ability to make big plays.
I would also give Penn State the edge on punt/kick returns, but I don't expect there to be enough opportunities to make a difference in the game.
Penn State will need lots of help to win this. I predict OSU to win by at least 2 touchdowns, and maybe more.
