Ohio State playing rival Penn State this weekend was supposed to be a matchup between two top 10 teams. With Penn State losing against Indiana last weekend, that isn’t happening, but it’s still a huge game. These two have played multiple one-possession games over the last few seasons, and there are always a few keys to which side comes out the victor.
Generally, playing in Happy Valley at night in whiteout conditions enters the fray, but that won’t be the case this year because of the COVID-19 restrictions implemented by the Big Ten on fan attendance. Still, there are plenty of other things to digest for this game.
As we do every week, here are five keys to Ohio State walking away from Beaver Stadium as an undefeated team.
NEXT … Shaun Wade comes to play
Shaun Wade locks down Jahan Dotson
Ohio State CB Shaun Wade is fun and someone I'm definitely keeping my eye on as we slowly make our way toward draft season. pic.twitter.com/m8Z52NtjLP
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) October 26, 2020
Among those who talk about the NFL draft, Shaun Wade’s name has already been circulated as one of the top corners for 2021. Wade is really, really good. He will need to bring his “A” game against Penn State as wide receiver Jahan Dotson can cause damage if he is not kept in check.
Dotson had four catches, ninety-four yards, and a 23.5 average against Indiana, a lot of it coming on a sixty-yard catch and run for a touchdown. Dotson is smaller at 5′ 11”, but has a good catch radius and good route running. He is seen as a leader in the locker room and on the field.
Penn State has other weapons, but keeping Dotson in check will help. Wade will have to help lock him down and not let him get too deep. Sean Clifford will certainly be looking his way, and if Wade can get limit the No. 1 receiver, this has a chance at being a huge Buckeye win.
NEXT … Closing the gaps up front
The offensive line keeps Justin Fields clean
Highest graded returning B1G offensive tackles:
1. Rashawn Slater, Northwestern – 89.9
2. Thayer Munford, Ohio State – 77.2
3. Logan Bruss, Wisconsin – 74.9 pic.twitter.com/jw8XJ5hdBr— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 12, 2020
One thing we know about Penn State is that they will be looking to keep Justin Fields contained. That will start up front as they try to maintain gap discipline and force Fields to stay in the pocket. Granted, Fields is a throw first QB, but he does love using his legs to keep plays alive and make extra yardage on the ground.
The front of Ohio State did not play a perfect game against Nebraska, and it’ll have to do better on the road against a more talented Penn State squad. The Buckeyes have three top 60 prospects on the offensive line with Wyatt Davis, Thayer Munford, and Josh Meyers. They have to get Penn State off their gameplan.
As long as the offensive line creates holes and keeps gaps closed, it should control the game for large stretches. Penn State will make some plays with talent, but as long as the line does what it should, OSU should walk out victorious.
NEXT … the weapons on offense show up
Buckeye weapons become difference-makers
This Jaxon Smith-Njigba catch was UNBELIEVABLE 😱
(➡️ @DosEquis) pic.twitter.com/ZmoN8hPBC6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 24, 2020
The first thing people will remember about the Buckeyes win over Nebraska was Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s insane catch. However, he only caught two passes and was able to steal the show from Garrett Wilson’s 129 yards, one touchdown performance. But wait, Chris Olave had 104 yards himself. This receiver corps is just dominant.
While the run game didn’t get going like many wanted, Nebraska did everything it could to slow it down. Trey Sermon had 55 yards, Justin Fields had 54, and Master Teague 41 of his own. While the individual numbers don’t jump out, the entire run game did its job and kept Nebraska at least a little off-balance. Fields took advantage and slung it around about as effectively as you can.
Ohio State is just too high powered for the Nittany Lions to keep up with. If this game starts to get away from Penn State, it’ll be a Lord of the Rings journey to reel it back in. Ohio State has all the weapons on offense and it’s just getting cranked up.
Next … Force Penn State into Mistakes
Ohio State must create Penn State mistakes
Two missed field goals. One touchdown when all you had to do was take a knee inside the five. And now Penn State is staring at overtime in Indiana because of it.
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) October 24, 2020
The Nittany Lions did themselves no favors in their loss to Indiana. While Sean Clifford is a good quarterback, he will make some mistakes. He wasn’t the sole reason or cause of miscues for Penn State — others had a hand as well. During the loss, Penn State missed field goals, turned the ball over, forgot game situations, and gave up yards when it needed a stop.
Ohio State can — and will — make the Nittany Lions pay for mistakes more than Indiana did. While Penn State dominated much of the game, the mistakes cost them it in the long run. For every mistake Penn State makes, the Buckeyes will pull further ahead.
NEXT …Channel the Ohio against the world mentality
Use the emotion of the season
“Ohio State had to come out and make a big statement, they were one of the loudest voices for the conference to play. And they showed why the need to be in the playoff conversation” – @osmattmurschel on the #BigTen making their return pic.twitter.com/tSSo2Kv0E9
— 96.9 The Game (@969thegame) October 27, 2020
The Ohio State Buckeyes are currently ranked third in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports, but they are aiming for No. 1. While they should be happy they are ranked in the top four after one game, it is the CFP committee they have to impress, not the pollsters.
Ohio State appears to be focused in a way I do not think we’ve seen. For all the doubters who don’t want the Buckeyes in the top four due to the late start, they will do everything to show them they are wrong to think that way. It will drive this team to win week in, and week out.
I don’t think anyone doubts that Ohio State is one of the best teams in the nation, but don’t tell OSU that. The Buckeyes want to absolutely leave no doubt they belong, and beating Penn State is another statement of proof. This is a strange season and the late start has changed the landscape from a normal year. They will want to win and win convincingly.
I say they do it.
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