Legendary Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel was fond of saying, "September is for pretenders, November is for contenders.". As the calendar flips into November, the Buckeyes are truly at a crossroads for that statement, with one loss already impacting their chances of getting back to Indianapolis for a chance at winning the Big Ten Championship in 2024.
Ohio State defeated Nebraska 21-17 on October 26th, but the sluggish offensive performance witnessed by the Ohio State coaching staff and fans have justifiably created concern about the Buckeyes. Sometimes a win can feel like a loss, and the closer than expected win over Nebraska certainly fit that category.
Below are three things to watch at Penn State as the game kicks off on FOX at 12pm ET...
1. The Ohio State offensive line versus the Penn State defense
WIthout question, the biggest area of concern heading into this game against a legitimately talented Penn State defense, featuring pass rushing standout DE Abdul Carter. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day stated, "Depth is gonna get challenged this week,...These guys have experience. That's good. But they're gonna be challenged in this environment. But they'll be ready. They'll be ready."
Before having to leave the Nebraska game due to injury, Zen Michalski was struggling at the critical left tackle position. Starting left guard Donovan Jackson was moved over to take over for Michalski, with backup Luke Montgomery inserted into Jackson's spot at left guard.
Speculation is rampant about how Ohio State will handle the left tackle position, with the belief that Jackson will move over to left tackle, and Austin Siereveld playing the left guard position that he played earlier in the season when Jackson was out of the lineup. This would allow the right side of the line to remain intact, with Tegra Tshabola and Josh Fryar staying at the positions they have played all season.
No matter how Ohio State decides to manage their lineup, I will be curious to see if TE Bennett Christian is used more to supplement the blocking. QB Will Howard has mobility, so the Ohio State coaches may decide to move Howard out of the pocket, to reduce the challenges of pass protection against Penn State. Starting center Seth McLaughlin will need to be a steadying presence for the offensive line, no matter what strategy is deployed or what personnel is inserted.
2. How will Ohio State defend Penn State TE Tyler Warren?
Penn State TE Tyler Warren is used in a variety of ways within the Penn State offense, lining up at tight end, fullback, and even as a wildcat formation quarterback. Warren's versatility is going to present the Ohio State defense with an immense challenge.
Caleb Downs has demonstrated his strong tackling and pass coverage capabilities, especially last week versus Nebraska. Downs may be given the unenviable task of shadowing Tyler Warren in this contest.
3. Will Penn State use Beau Pribula at quarterback versus Ohio State?
Starting Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar was forced out of last week's game at Wisconsin, and Penn State responded by inserting backup quarterback Beau Pribula into the game against the Badgers. While not the traditional pocket passer that Allar is, Pribula demonstrated his capabilities as a dual threat as both a runner and passer, leading the Nittany Lions to victory.
While Penn State head coach James Franklin is wisely avoiding announcing Allar's status for this game against Ohio State, it may be a better strategy for Pribula to play this game against the Buckeyes. Similar to Tyler Warren, Pribula would force the Buckeyes to spy on him, especially as Pribula's mobility (six carries for 28 yards) could be used to keep Penn State drives moving. Will this be something that Ohio State LB Sonny Styles be called upon to handle?
Penn State must be thinking that they have Ohio State on the ropes, and this game represents an opportunity to essentially eliminate the Buckeyes from The Big Ten Championship Game race. Even before the season began, this game qualified as one of Ohio State's most difficult for the 2024 season, and the issues along the Ohio State offensive line have only made me more squeamish as I think about how it may turn out.
I truly hope that I am gravely mistaken, but I believe Penn State is going to come out on the winning side of this one for the first time since 2016. I have it Penn State 28, Ohio State 24.