Ohio State Football: 3 biggest threats within the division

Urban Meyer made it clear during his tenure Penn State wasn’t Ohio State’s rival.

Penn State will be coming off two tough matchups against Michigan and Iowa before taking on Ohio State on October 24. It’s very possible the James Franklin led team could slip up in either one of those games, but if they don’t the magnitude of this showdown will have College Football Playoff implications.

For the past several seasons the most consistent threat to the men in Scarlet and Gray has been the competitors from State College. Franklin has resurrected the Nittany Lions’ program, but they’re still looking to get over the hump and into the playoffs for the first time.

There isn’t any doubt that this matchup is already circled by both programs. And based off years past this game will be intense.

There’s something Ohio State has that Penn State doesn’t. An elite quarterback.

Sean Clifford has been the starter and is coming into his fourth season, but Will Levis, the redshirt sophomore, proved last season his mobility is valuable. Franklin also has two talented youngsters in the fold that could actually beat both of the veterans out.

On the contrary, Fields, the Heisman contender, will lead the Bucks.

Ohio State had to hold off a third-quarter rally in last season’s matchup, but expect Fields and his teammates to keep their foot on the gas in this year’s game.

The Nittany Lions will have a good, experienced defense with plenty of film to scheme ways to defeat Fields, but it’s hard to beat improvisation. Look for Fields to have a field day on the ground and moving about throughout the pocket to keep Penn State’s defense off balance.

Ohio State has the more talented roster, it’s up to the players to prove that.

Let’s move to the best rivalry in all of the sports.