Penn State Football: Nittany Lions host battle with Ohio State

Penn State football is preparing to host one of the biggest games of the season. 

Heading into the 2018 season, there was one game that clearly stood out on the schedule for Penn State football. Now, the September 29 battle with conference rival Ohio State is just a few days away. Both teams are 4-0, as expected, and are both considered among the best teams in all of college football.

It’s a top-10 matchup, as Ohio State checks in at No. 4, while Penn State is ranked No. 9.

The game already carries a lot of hype due to the fact that the winner will take the upper hand in Big Ten East standings. As if the game needed anything extra to make it exciting — it will be played in primetime and be the annual Penn State Whiteout game. Also, it was recently announced that ESPN’s popular college football pregame show — College GameDay — will be live on the Penn State campus.

Penn State struggled to get the year going, but then found its groove offensively, scoring 63 points in each of the last two games. Senior quarterback Trace McSorley has been leading the way for the offense and has put up great numbers through the air and on the ground.

The Penn State defense has had problems stopping opponents from moving the ball this year, particularly on the ground. Ohio State enters the matchup as one of the most potent offenses in the nation, averaging nearly 600 yards per game.

On the Ohio State side, the Buckeyes will likely be missing stud defensive lineman Nick Bosa, who has missed one game so far due to having core muscle surgery. Running back Mike Weber left Saturday’s game against Tulane with a foot injury, but it appears he’ll be available for the matchup with the Nittany Lions.

Penn State shocked Ohio State two years during the previous game between the two schools at Beaver Stadium. The No. 2 Buckeyes were favored, but lost in an upset, due in part to a Marcus Allen blocked field goal that led to a touchdown return for Grant Haley.

Last season, Penn State controlled the majority of the game in Columbus, but collapsed in the fourth quarter and allowed JT Barrett and the Buckeyes to storm back for the win.

Come kickoff on Saturday night, Beaver Stadium is sure to be rocking. That atmosphere should create a huge advantage for the Nittany Lions. However, knocking off Ohio State will be a tall task.

Whoever does come out on top will be in the driver’s seat for a spot in the College Football Playoff.