Scarlet and Game
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Ohio State vs. Penn State: Stage Set for Epic Game

By Thomas Scurlock

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 7: Sam Hubbard
COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 7: Sam Hubbard /
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LINCOLN, NE – OCTOBER 14: Linebacker Dante Booker
LINCOLN, NE – OCTOBER 14: Linebacker Dante Booker /

Can Ohio State stop Penn State through the air?

Since the first two games, the backend of the Ohio State defense has steadily improved. However, it has not faced an offense as dynamic as Penn State’s which is ranked No. 22 in the FBS in passing yards.

Like Barrett, Trace McSorley likes to spread the ball around.  Seven receivers have caught touchdowns.  His favorite target is Barkley who has 29 catches for 395 yards and two touchdowns.

To demonstrate their progress, the linebackers will have to shut down Barkley on the outside. Getting him to the ground on first contact is imperative.  He is deadly in breaking tackles and busting long plays.

Then it is up to Denzel Ward and Kendall Sheffield to slow down DaeSean Hamilton and Juwan Johnson.

Getting pressure on McSorley will help, but I suspect the Nittany Lions will have plays designed to get the ball released quickly and let the receivers make plays.

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