Six Ways Penn State Can Beat Ohio State

Ohio State arrives at Penn State on Saturday with probably the most outrageously gifted rosters Beaver Stadium has seen lately. The second-ranked Buckeyes have bulldozed their final six opponents with a statistical dominance filled with breathtaking numbers.

• The Buckeyes rank first or second within the Massive Ten in 10 classes, main in scoring, complete offense, red-zone offense and tackles for loss.
• They’re averaging 54.3 factors per recreation of their final six.
• They’re the nation’s solely good crew (36-for-36) in red-zone scoring, with 31 touchdowns.
• They lead the nation in common yards per play (7.7).
• Their protection has not allowed a speeding landing in three video games.

And on it goes. Ohio State represents a Demise Star, however Penn State can discover some flaws. The Lions do not should play an ideal recreation Saturday however may want some completely timed schemes, personnel units and performs to attain the upset.

It may be carried out. Listed below are some keys to a Penn State win over Ohio State.

A brand new offensive present

Penn State took a number of vital offensive steps ahead in its 45-17 win over Minnesota, notably reintroducing the tight ends. That ought to proceed.

However the Lions additionally should assault Ohio State with appears, formations and performs that they have not proven but this season. That does not imply trick performs or Wildcat formations. Penn State can run its base offense however incorporate motions, completely different personnel and different formations that Ohio State hasn’t seen. Coach James Franklin all however assured that can occur.

“Now we have to do some issues this week on offense which might be going to present Ohio State pause,” Franklin stated.

Strain CJ Stroud

One cause Ohio State’s quarterback has been so efficient is the shortage of strain he has confronted. Stroud is without doubt one of the least-touched quarterbacks within the nation. Ohio State has allowed simply 5 sacks and 5 quarterback hurries this season. 5 groups, together with Iowa, didn’t report a rush in opposition to Stroud.

Penn State, in the meantime, has report 15 sacks and 30 quarterback hurries, with Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson combining for eight hurries. Robinson didn’t play in opposition to Minnesota. His return is crucial.

“With the ability to get strain on the quarterback and make him uncomfortable within the pocket, that might be worthwhile,” Franklin stated.

Athletes, athletes, athletes

Penn State has combined youth and expertise at a number of positions, notably on protection, this season. Now’s the time, nevertheless, to match Ohio State with essentially the most athletic roster Penn State can put forth.

Meaning Curtis Jacobs and Abdul Carter at linebacker, when relevant. It means potential dual-back units with Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. It means activating the tight ends. It means an enormous, No. 1-receiver recreation from Parker Washington.

It additionally would require Penn State to trip or die with its secondary. Joey Porter Jr. has been quiet currently, largely as a result of groups not throw close to him. Ohio State has too many receivers to go away Porter inactive. He must be a first-round decide Saturday.

Restrict and string possessions

Penn State started the sport in opposition to Minnesota with a pair of three-and-outs and an interception. These are errors you possibly can overcome in opposition to a second-string quarterback, which Minnesota performed. Stroud, although, will not be so sort.

Particularly early, Penn State has to string some possessions to regulate the tenor of the sport and restrict Stroud’s time with the soccer. It may be powerful for a big-play offense to shorten a recreation, however the Lions should attempt.

Restore the offensive line

Penn State might need points right here. Sort out Caedan Wallace and guard Sal Wormley missed elements of the Minnesota recreation, and guard Landon Tengwall didn’t play. That pressured all-purpose lineman Bryce Effner to play three positions and the Lions to insert true freshman Vega Ioane, whom they need to redshirt.

Penn State’s offensive line is not at full power. In the meantime, Ohio State leads the Massive Ten in tackles for loss (51) and ranks third in sacks (19). There is no replenishing to be carried out right here. If the Lions do not get some linemen again, they’re in hassle.

A profession day from Sean Clifford

The Penn State quarterback had a terrific post-interception recreation in opposition to Minnesota. Really, he largely was on level. However in his profession, Clifford has not strung collectively back-to-back Massive Ten video games with a completion fee of 70 p.c or higher.

Clifford should be greater than good Saturday. He has to make just a few hero performs with out enjoying hero ball. Although not essentially his power, that needs to be Clifford’s strategy.

Penn State hosts Ohio State at midday ET Saturday at Beaver Stadium. FOX will televise.

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AllPennState is the place for Penn State information, opinion and perspective on the SI.com community. Writer Mark Wogenrich has lined Penn State for greater than 20 years, monitoring three teaching staffs, three Massive Ten titles and a catalog of nice tales. Comply with him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And think about subscribing (button’s on the house web page) for extra nice content material throughout the SI.com community.