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Penn State Football: Keys to the Game vs Ohio State

By Corey Hunter

Oct 17, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts after a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts after a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 16, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive line coach Matt Limegrove looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team defeated the White team 37-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive line coach Matt Limegrove looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team defeated the White team 37-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports /

Key 2:  Who Plays LT?

In all the excitement of Penn State’s win over Maryland, the Lions got word that their starting right tackle, Andrew Nelson would be lost for the year.

Consequently a dilemma soon arose.  How should offensive line coach Matt Limegrover attempt to rework their offensive line?  To complete the Maryland contest starting left tackle, Brendan Mahon, was moved to right tackle.  Paris Palmer, who started a handful of games last season, was inserted at left tackle.

Soon after the Maryland game, coach Limegrover presented coach Franklin with various possibilities.  They could keep Mahon at RT and Palmer at LT, or they could use a combination of redshirt sophomore Chasz Wright or true freshman Will Fries at LT.  Each time, however, the coaches kept coming back to Mahon at RT and Palmer at LT.  In doing so, coach Franklin cited Palmer’s big game experience and how he has handled pressure situations.

Palmer struggled last year with his footwork.  Watch this video clip of Palmer, (at the bottom of your screen) last season at Temple.  His slow footwork allowed the Temple end to simply run right around him.  No doubt Ohio State defensive end Sam Hubbard is chomping at the bit to go up against Palmer.  As a result, I expect the Lions to chip with help from Saquon Barkley and tight end Mike Gesicki.

If Palmer handles man-on-man blocking without the need of aid, Penn State will have more offensive weapons at their disposal.

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