Ohio State football vs. Penn State: Three players to watch

2. Can Zach Harrison be the best defensive lineman again for the Ohio State football team?

Against Iowa, Zach Harrison was all over the place. He was making tackles behind the line of scrimmage, batting down balls, and making big plays on third down. It was the best game that he has played since becoming a Buckeye because his impact was felt throughout the game.

Harrison has mostly been a disappointment in his time with the Buckeyes. His sack numbers this year aren’t very good either, but that’s more of a product of Jim Knowles’ scheme than anything else. Harrison has been getting better as the season has gone on.

I think this is a game where he could have a major impact again. I could see him getting a couple of sacks and tackling some ball carriers for losses as well. Ohio State is going to want to keep Sean Clifford in the pocket so he can’t hurt them with his legs, so that’s where Harrison’s speed comes into play.

This is a chance for Harrison to get a signature game. If he has a good game this week, that could help propel his draft stock higher. He was thought to potentially be a first-round pick when he came in out of high school. I think that ship has sailed, but a strong finish to the year might get him there.

The final player that I am watching in this big-time matchup is the guy who I think is the X-factor in this game.