Ryan Day and the Buckeyes (6-1) come to University Park with a single loss on the record to face No. 1 Oregon, while Penn State and head coach James Franklin go into the Big Ten tournament undefeated (7-0).
After Georgia, Ohio State started the season as the AP No. 2 team. With the No. 5 high school class and the No. 9 transfer class in the country, the Buckeyes accumulated talent throughout the offseason (247Sports).
Some of the best transfers in the sport were signed by Day and company, including safety Caleb Downs (Alabama), running back Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss), and quarterback Will Howard (Kansas State). The Buckeyes’ offense has also benefited greatly from the arrival of Jeremiah Smith, a true freshman receiver.
Following a perfect start to the season, Ohio State’s first major challenge came in Oregon. Even with a squad like the Buckeyes’, the Ducks were eventually too much to handle.
Even though Ohio State only lost by one score (32-31) away from home, ESPN “College GameDay” commentator Desmond Howard thinks the mistake is more serious. He bases his case on the Buckeyes’ early-season schedule, which is doable.
After a week off and a loss to Oregon, the Buckeyes battled hard but narrowly defeated Nebraska at home (21–17).
“I feel like Ryan Day and his coaching staff didn’t fully understand the team’s potential early in the season,” Howard said on ESPN. He acknowledged the team had standout players, but noted that facing weaker opponents can create a false sense of dominance.
In their first five games, the Buckeyes averaged 46 points per game while allowing just 6.8 points. However, in their last two games, they’ve averaged 26 points and allowed 24.5 points.
“I expected a stronger performance from Ohio State after their bye week, but Nebraska really challenged them,” Howard continued. “To be fair, Nebraska doesn’t have the same level of talent as Ohio State…”
It’s important to note that Howard’s views on Ohio State may not be entirely impartial. As a former Michigan Wolverine and Heisman Trophy winner, he often takes a different perspective when it comes to the Columbus-based school.
“I expected a stronger showing from Ohio State after their bye week, but Nebraska really pushed them to the limit,” Howard said. “Frankly, Nebraska’s talent doesn’t match up with Ohio State’s…”
It’s important to keep in mind that Howard’s views on Ohio State may be biased. As a former Michigan Wolverine and Heisman Trophy winner, he often takes a different approach when discussing the Columbus-based team.
However, Howard does have a point. Prior to the Big Ten schedule’s main event, the Buckeyes weren’t put to the test early in the season. However, Penn State hasn’t played against a team like the Buckeyes; their lone rated victory came in Week 5 against Illinois, ranked No. 24.
In a game of comparable importance, Ohio State defeated the Nittany Lions in Columbus last year, 20–12. This year’s victor will get a direct chance at the College Football Playoffs and the conference championship game.
Analysis of Penn State vs. Ohio State: Which games will determine the outcome?
This weekend, the top five teams will square off against Penn State and Ohio State. “College GameDay” from ESPN will be in town. For a game that could decide the Big Ten title and the playoffs, Happy Valley will be full. This weekend, Beaver Stadium will be the center of attention in the college football world.
Therefore, it’s worthwhile to investigate which individuals and games will determine Saturday’s battle between the No. 4 Buckeyes and the No. 3 Nittany Lions.
