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Penn State Football: Don’t Laugh, the Nittany Lions Can Win at Ohio State

By Barry Leonard Jr.

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The Penn State Nittany Lions, though 5-1, have been extremely inconsistent on offense this season and have struggled even in some of the wins. Up next is their toughest test of the season as they travel to Columbus to take on the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. Though chances may seem slim, the Nittany Lions actually have a shot at upsetting the mighty Buckeyes.

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Few expect Penn State to have a chance in Columbus, that’s why the line in Vegas has been at least a three-score underdog all week.

Even after a strong performance last week against Indiana, the Nittany Lions still rank statistically as one of the worst offensive teams in the nation. Quarterback Christian Hackenberg has had trouble repeating the success he found as a freshman in 2013 and the offense has stalled often during games.

However, things seem to be turning around. Hackenberg looked very comfortable in the pocket and showed the arm strength that has had him pegged as a first-round draft pick for the last couple of years. When given the chance to throw the ball downfield, Hackenberg was able to convert and move the offense.

Hopefully that confidence can carry over to this week.

Also helping in the passing game is the fact that the wide receivers have finally showed an ability to get open. Speedster Brandon Polk could be an x-factor against the Buckeyes. Penn State has some talented tight ends and getting them involved will also help out Hackenberg.

An important piece to Penn State competing against the Buckeyes is the health of freshman running back Saquon Barkley. Though just a few games into his collegiate career, Barkley has shown moves that conjure up images of some of the best and shiftiest running backs in history. He’s sat out the last two games with an ankle injury and will need to play if the Nittany Linos are going to have a chance.

The Buckeyes are good, there’s no question. But, they are beatable.

Sure, the record says 6-0, but even the most faithful Buckeye fan will tell you that things are not perfect. The offense has been out of rhythm and seems to lack an identity. Had it not been for their superstar running back stepping up, the Buckeyes could easily have one or even two losses

Ezekiel Elliott is one of the best running backs in the country, and has already shown that he’s capable of carrying the team on his shoulder. However, teams, especially a defense that’s as good as Penn State’s, will be able to stack the box and force the passing attack to make plays.

The main issue with Ohio State so far this season has been at quarterback. Urban Meyer has tabbed Cardale Jones as his starting quarterback, but that hasn’t necessarily been the right choice. Jones has struggled to throw the ball at times and gives way to backup J.T. Barrett in certain situations, creating a sometimes confusing two-quarterback system.

Changing quarterbacks can be a good thing, but it can also cause an interruption in the flow of an offense.

On defense, like Penn State, Ohio State is very solid. The Buckeyes have several NFL-caliber players on that side of the ball and currently rank No. 16 in total defense.

Looking at this game on paper, Ohio State is the clear favorite, nobody can argue that. The Buckeyes have talent all over the roster to go with a championship pedigree.

So naturally, there’s no way Penn State can win right? Think again.

The Buckeyes are ripe for an upset. The quarterback struggles could doom Ohio State against Penn State’s defense. The Nittany Lions have a dominant defensive line that’s led by Carl Nassib, Austin Johnson, Garrett Sickels and Anthony Zettel. They could all spend a lot of time in the Ohio State backfield on Saturday night. The linebackers are solid with a healthy Brandon Bell back in the lineup and the secondary, also healthy now, is a good mix of veterans and young talent.

Penn State will the the best defense that Ohio State has faced to date.

I’m not expecting the Penn State offense to put up a ton of points on an Ohio State defense that’s very solid. However, I do expect some plays to be made in the passing game, as Hackenberg should once again be free to throw downfield.

With two strong defenses and two offenses that can sputter at times, a low-scoring game could be on tap. That favors the Nittany Lions. If the defense can keep Jones and the offense in check, the Penn State offense, led by Hackenberg and hopefully Barkley, can do just enough to win.

Ohio State has won 19-straight games dating back to last season. While that’s an impressive streak, the odds say that the Buckeyes are bound to lose at some point.

I know some will think I’m a bit crazy, but Penn State has more of a chance in this game than what anyone is giving.

Hackenberg will get his time on the big stage to get a signature win and I don’t think he’ll disappoint. Throw in a defense that can be very difficult to move the ball on, and Penn State could be leaving Columbus with a huge conference victory.

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