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Ohio State Football: Takes from Penn State Experts on the big game

By Charlie Lockhart

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes watches warm ups before the start of their game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes watches warm ups before the start of their game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 22: Parris Campbell #21 of the Ohio State Buckeyes pulls in a 37-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter in front of Roderic Teamer Jr. #2 of the Tulane Green Wave at Ohio Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 22: Parris Campbell #21 of the Ohio State Buckeyes pulls in a 37-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter in front of Roderic Teamer Jr. #2 of the Tulane Green Wave at Ohio Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

When the Ohio State football takes the field in Beaver Stadium they will face one of the best teams in the country in a difficult environment. Buckeye fans have their ideas how the game will play out but I wanted to get views from the opposite sideline.

Just think, a game 5 matchup could be a turning point of the season for both Ohio State and Penn State. The winner will be in the driver’s seat to win the Big Ten East Division as well being a favorite to make the College Football Playoff.

The loser will have to play catch up the rest of the season.

I’m sure Buckeye fans everywhere have their ideas of how this important game will play out, and I have mine as well. But I wanted to get views from the opposite sideline so I reached out to a couple of guys who follow all things Penn State.

FanSided Experts at ‘Victory Bell Rings’, Barry Leonard and Collin Wieder, were gracious enough to answer a few questions I had for them and gave us their perspectives on this important matchup.

Here are the questions I asked Barry and Collin:

  • 1. Which units or individual matchups do you see Penn State having the advantage over Ohio State?
  • 2. Everybody is well aware Trace McSorley is a big time quarterback but what other players should Buckeye fans keep their eyes on?
  • 3. Which Ohio State units or players give Penn State cause for concern?
  • 4. Who wins the QB battle, Haskins or McSorley?
  • 5. Can you describe the atmosphere during a White Out in Happy Valley to Buckeye fans who have only seen it on TV?
  • 6. How do you see Saturday’s game playing out and what is your final score?

I think you will find their answers interesting. Let’s begin with what Barry had to say.

Barry Leonard:

  1. I think the Penn State OL will have the advantage, especially with Bosa out. The unit has struggled in recent years, but after a lot of experimenting, Franklin finally has the right combination.
  2. Freshman WR is a playmaker. He’ll likely be the fastest player on the field Saturday night and can be a game changer. He’s also a dangerous kick returner. Another player to know is true freshman linebacker Micah Parsons. Of course, he was a big recruiting target of the Buckeyes. Look for him to make some big plays on D.
  3. I’d say the entire Ohio State offense scares me, as Penn State has been downright awful on defense. The players I’m particularly worried about are Mike Weber and JK Dobbins. Penn State is allowing over 179 yards per game on the ground, so that’s a huge concern.
  4. McSorley of course. Honestly, I’m expecting Ohio State to have a lot of success on the ground, so I won’t be surprised if McSorley has bigger passing numbers than Haskins.
  5. The White Out is unbelievable. The stadium shakes and the noise is beyond loud. I’ve been on the field for several White Outs, and hearing the person next to you is impossible.
  6. Shootout. That’s what this one will be. I fully expect both offenses to be ramped up and both defenses to struggle. Whoever scores last will win. Credit the atmosphere as a huge advantage. Penn State wins it, 40-37.

Now for Collin’s takes.

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