Penn State Football: Keys to the Game vs Ohio State
By Corey Hunter
Key 3: Who is the Best Running Back?
There is little doubt that Ohio State has not forgotten about Penn State running back Saquon Barkley. Last season, Barkley torched the Buckeyes to the tune of 194 rushing yards. He nearly single-handedly willed the Lions to a victory. If not for an ill-timed holding penalty, he would have had more than 200 rushing yards and a score.
I am confident that Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano has been scheming against Barkley all week. Because of Barkley’s penchant for juking and leaping, expect heavy doses of loading the box and spying with All-Big Ten linebacker Raekwon McMillan.
While the attention of the running game is rightly thrust upon Saquon Barkley, Ohio State possess a ball carrier that deserves attention – Mike Weber.
The redshirt freshman has quietly amassed the second most rushing yards (612 yards) in the Big Ten this season. The Detroit, MI native averages over 100 rushing yards per game and slightly over 6.5 yards per carry. In comparison, Saquon Barkley averages 97 rushing yards per game and about 5.0 yards per carry.
While Ohio State quarterback JT Barrett is multifaceted with his running and throwing ability, Penn State must also scheme to slow down Mike Weber. If Weber and Barrett can effectively run the ball, the Buckeyes can control the clock. Furthermore if Ohio State controls the ball on the ground, the Penn State defense will most certainly tire, leading to more touchdowns.
Guess who leads the Big Ten in time of possession? Yep – Ohio State. The Buckeyes possess the ball for nearly 35 minutes per game. Penn State, on the other hand, is last in the conference in time of possession. The Lions hold the ball for slightly higher than 27 minutes per game. On Saturday there is no way that statistic can hold if the Nittany Lions hope to win the game.