It’s a bit different for Ohio State Football this weekend, and since it is switching things up with its first major conference contest, I decided to do the same.
Instead of relying on just stats and some X, the website formerly known as Twitter, highlights, I watched the whole Penn State at niIllinois tilt. The Illini played the Nittany Lions to their closest game of the year with a 30-13 final outcome.
Clearly the talent level is different for the Buckeyes compared to Illinois, but there are still plenty to learn. Find out below what my biggest takeaways from this game were with an Ohio State twist.
Third down blitzing
Thoughts
Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is going to bring the pressure on third down. The Nittany Lions run exotic blitzes, trying to confuse the quarterback into mistakes. Four interceptions forced shows that the secondary can make plays as well. Often you’ll see multiple players right at the line of scrimmage, to then see some drop back while others rush the passer. The Ohio State offensive line and done a good job pass blocking on the year, with its communication getting a big test on Saturday.
Get Drew Allar’s feet moving
Thoughts
This Ohioan is going to be a very good quarterback in the near future, but there are some places where the Buckeye defense can exploit Allar. Like many young players, pressure gets to him. Penn State doesn’t often throw deep, mostly lots of short crossing routes and check-downs to backs. If Ohio State can get consistent pressure, like it has all year, Allar can be forced into some bad throws and mistakes.
Safeties playing up
Thoughts
Penn State’s defensive style is extremely aggressive and it should give the Buckeyes areas to exploit. Their safeties play close to the line, leaving the corners on an island. There will be some room for yardage on screens, but the receivers have to block well for this to happen. Hitting some corner routes should be there as well, not much safety help there either. It’s a very solid group, but Ohio State can certainly move the ball.
Run game
Thoughts
The Nittany Lions typically run at the tackles or outside of them, not very often do they run on the inside. Quick pitches to the outside to try and get their backs in space, is what they like to run. Don’t think Penn State won’t run between the tackles, it just seemed that it’s more likely runs will go to the perimeter. Allar does a good job of moving the chains in short yardage scramble situations, but he’s not a game-breaking runner.
Wide receivers
Thoughts
Let’s be real here, Ohio State has been spoiled by elite receiver play the last few seasons and you can see a big difference between these two units. Penn State doesn’t have nearly the talent that the Buckeyes do, and there is no Jahan Dotson on this Nittany Lion squad. The improved OSU secondary has an advantage in this department.
Penalties
There were seven penalties for 70-yards in this game for PSU, something that was easily overcome by the five turnovers that it forced. This was on the road at Illinois, nothing like the environment the Nittany Lions will play on Saturday afternoon. The Buckeyes will open the gates earlier than normal, with the expectation that fans will show up for kickoff, ready to be rowdy.
Linebackers
Thoughts
This is the best unit on Penn State’s team, and it could very well make life difficult for the Buckeyes. The linebackers fly around all over the place, blitzing, dropping back in coverage, and rushing the passer. Penn State’s four main linebacker each have a sack, while two of them have picks. The Ohio State offensive line once again will be tested.
Overall
Penn State is a very good team, but one that is beatable. If Ohio State can limit the mistakes, a win could be on the way. It’s hard not to envision a four quarter battle between these two teams, but the Buckeyes have more than a few advantages, the biggest one being the big game environment. It will be a fun one on Saturday.
Contact/Follow @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Michael Chen on X.
