Penn States offensive coordinator vs. Ohio State's defensive coordinator
Andy Kotelnicki has brought new life into the Penn State offense this year. He is one of the most creative offensive coordinators in the sport. They are especially good in the run game where Kotelnicki uses multiple quarterbacks in the run game.
He uses backup quarterback Beau Pribula and stud tight end Tyler Warren as Wildcat quarterbacks. This, along with dynamic duo running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, makes Penn State a tough team to stop in the run game. Then 2nd year starter Drew Allar is having a good year in Kotelnicki's offense throwing the ball. They are much less predictable than in years past.
On the flip side, Jim Knowles has been Ohio State's defensive coordinator for three years. His defenses have largely been effective, but he has struggled in big games. The most recent example is the loss at Oregon where the Buckeyes defense gave up almost 500 yards of offense.
The key to this game will be how Kotelnicki matches up and exploits Ohio State's pass defense. Ohio State's defensive backs were largely exploited by Oregon and Ohio State had a lack of pass rush. Ohio State's defensive front has been largely good against the run, but as a pass-rushing unit, not as much. Whichever coordinator finds more success, Saturday will go a long way toward getting the win.
Ohio State's offensive line vs. Abdul Carter and PSU's D-line
There is no way to spin it. Last week, Ohio State's offensive line struggled to block Nebraska's front. Especially left tackle Zen Michalski as he struggled to pass block Nebraska's edge defenders until he left with an injury late in the game. Next up is Penn State's defensive front, led by Abdul Carter.
Carter is considered one of the best edge players in the nation. If Ohio State is going to win this game, they need to find a way to slow down Abdul Carter. Ohio State needs to be able to protect Will Howard so that he can deliver the ball to their excellent receiver core.
If it is a long day for Will Howard with Penn State's pass rush, it would make it difficult for Ohio State to win the game. The other essential part of the game is the run game. If Ohio State cannot run the ball like they did the week before against Nebraska, they become a one-dimensional team. Ohio State's offensive line needs to play much better than last week, or it could be a long day for the Buckeyes.
Fun pass rush cutup of Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter pic.twitter.com/4TMr4N6mY8
— Benjamin Hodge (@benjaminwhodge) October 25, 2024
Will Howard vs. Drew Allar/Beau Pribula
Whichever quarterback plays better in this match-up should go a long way in deciding who wins the game. Will Howard of Ohio State is having a fantastic season. Outside of the mental mistake he made against Oregon at the end of the game, Howard has played at a high level.
Drew Allar, on the other sideline, has played well as a second-year starter, but he got hurt last week, and Beau Pribula came and played well. Coach James Franklin said it would be a game-time decision for Drew Allar. This is a big matchup for either quarterback because both defenses are excellent.
The other interesting side note is that Will Howard is from Pennsylvania and is extra motivated to play in this game since Penn State never recruited him. The flip side is if Drew Allar starts he is from Ohio. Whichever quarterback plays better will make a significant impact.
OSU wide receivers vs. Penn State's defensive backs
Penn State's defense has largely played well this year, but they have not seen a team with this group of wide receivers and a quarterback playing at a high level like Will Howard. Playing against a talented USC team Miller Moss threw for 220 yards on the day.
They also allowed 189 yards rushing in the win. Ohio State has a better quarterback and better wide receivers. If Ohio State wins this game they will do it largely on explosive passing plays to Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. Also Carnell Tate is coming on at wide receiver after he caught a touchdown against Nebraska last week. If Penn State's contains the big passing plays they will have a good chance to win the game. Ohio State needs to hit several big passing plays to win this game.
Final Thoughts
This is the second top-five road matchup for Ohio State this year. If Ohio State loses this game, it would be a tough blow to their season, and lots of questions about Ryan Day as a coach. The flip side is James Franklin is 1-9 against Ohio State in his career and hasn't had a marquee win in the Big Ten.
The other thing is whoever loses this game is not out of the 12-team playoff, but both teams obviously be in better shape with the win. I expect a tough and tight game.