Three burning questions Penn State needs the answers to in order to beat Ohio State
The battle between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Penn State Nittany Lions will likely come down to the margins. While we're waiting to see whether Drew Allar suits up and starts for Penn State, James Franklin has to be concerned with other issues as they prepare for gameday. Our experts have already logged their predictions, […]
The battle between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Penn State Nittany Lions will likely come down to the margins. While we're waiting to see whether Drew Allar suits up and starts for Penn State, James Franklin has to be concerned with other issues as they prepare for gameday.
Our experts have already logged their predictions, but these three burning questions from Penn State's side about the Buckeyes are critical. Ohio State analyst Brandon Little helped me answer the three questions I find most interesting from a Nittany Lions' perspective.
Penn State's Questions for Ohio State
Can Ohio State Fix its Run Game?
Outside of some success for TreVeyon Henderson against Oregon, Ohio State’s star duo, including Quinshon Judkins, has been very limited over the past couple of games.
Through the early part of the season, the Buckeyes leaned on their run game heavily, with both running backs looking capable of hitting 1,000 yards. If Ohio State wants to win big games and compete to win it all, they will need to find that run game again.
Ohio State lost Josh Simmons against the Ducks, and their run game got even worse with Zen Michalski. The Buckeyes should move Donovan Jackson to left tackle, which should help their run game be at least capable to the left side.
Unfortunately, Ohio State is probably going to be a team that runs the ball better to the right side this year.
Will Howard hasn’t been much of a runner lately, and the Buckeyes could be worried that the depth behind him is not capable enough to win it all. Still, Howard is in Columbus for one season.
Ohio State needs to roll the dice and utilize his legs more. It will only open up other things, including running lanes for the running back.
How Can Ohio State Defend Tyler Warren?
Ohio State’s biggest worry on the Penn State offense should be Tyler Warren. The Buckeyes have fared better against the run than the pass, and I think that is how it will go against the Nittany Lions. Ohio State is going to make Drew Allar prove he can beat them, and they are going to want the ball in the air with a chance to make a play on it.
Penn State has been feeding Warren lately, especially in the USC game, where he went over 200 yards with 17 catches. When they are in a rough spot, they know to find their stud tight end.
Ohio State safeties Lathan Ransom and Caleb Downs have both graded out well in coverage in 2024, and they will both see time in trying to limit Warren. Expect the Buckeyes to try to blanket him as much as they can to force Allar to throw elsewhere.
Sonny Styles is Ohio State’s best coverage safety, and he is another player that may have to bump and run at times with Warren. Styles is a former safety, so he has that working for him. The biggest thing it comes down to is the Buckeyes being physical with him and forcing the ball elsewhere.
Does Ryan Day Have Anything Up His Sleeve?
Day is 39-3 overall in the Big Ten and has never lost to Penn State. I expect he feels good going into this one with his track record. Ohio State had a chance to beat Oregon on the road in a tough environment just like they will see on Saturday.
The Buckeyes beat themselves in that game more than Oregon just outplaying them.
I think if Day goes away from his cards a whole lot, it could cause more harm than good. Yes, he has struggled in some big games while in Columbus.
The Buckeyes may have to be a bit more aggressive at times and go for it on fourth down a bit more, but there shouldn’t be anything too crazy. A well-coached game and execution in all three phases will win this kind of game.
