Teams the Buckeyes Can’t Afford To Overlook in 2015

Oct 25, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) runs for a touchdown past Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Nyeem Wartman (5) in the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Outside of Virginia Tech, Penn State gave the Buckeyes the greatest amount of trouble during the regular season. Ohio State escaped the clutches of Happy Valley by the skin of their teeth, ultimately winning in overtime 31-24.

The Nittany Lions’ defense eerily resembled Virginia Tech, hounding the Buckeyes’ offense all game long. Fortunately for Ohio State, J.T. Barrett and Co. were able to make enough plays in OT to set up Joey Bosa for a game-ending “sack” of quarterback Christian Hackenberg.

Why the Nittany Lions have a chance:

In terms of defense, Penn State is in very good position for a repeat performance of 2014. It all starts on the defensive line for the Nittany Lions. First-team All-Big Ten defensive tackle Anthony Zettel is back again to wreak havoc, with redshirt junior Austin Johnson ready to join him.

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Add in Carl Nassib, brother of pro-quarterback Ryan, and Penn State easily has what could end up being the best defensive line in the conference. A stingy secondary further provides a little spice to the defense.

Quite frankly, the Nittany Lions don’t have much going for them on offense this season. They’re still incapable of stretching the field, and even with a future star in the making in running back Akeel lynch, the offensive line remains nothing but average.

If Christian Hackenberg can take another big step towards becoming the elite quarterback many have long expected him to be, than the offense has a chance to survive the buzz saw that is Ohio State’s defense.

Between a potential premier defense and a possible first-overall pick in Hackenberg, there’s no reason the Nittany Lions can’t march into Columbus and give the Buckeyes a run for their money.

Next: Illinois Fighting Illini