Ohio State vs. Penn State— Week 12 (Game 11) Outlook, History Lesson, and Prediction

OSU/Indiana—A Few Opening Thoughts...

Somehow, the Buckeyes let destiny and fate perhaps slip through their hands last week in an unexpected 26-26 overtime loss to Purdue.

This week, Penn State comes to town off a home loss to Nebraska, and still realing from the Jerry Sandusky molestation case, and on the heels of the news that Joe Paterno has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

This game today could play out just about any way imaginable given the whirlwind these two programs have faced recently, and for the Buckeyes, since last December.

The higher ranked team usually wins when OSU and PSU battle, but PSU has only scored three touchdowns against Ohio State in Columbus, EVER. A low-scoring defensive game is most likely -- although every we all think we know what to expect, the opposite happens -- so don't be shocked if both teams break into the 30's or 40's -- or not.

The Wisconsin-Illinois game just went final and with the Badgers win, Ohio State's run of Big Ten titles is officially over -- but, a win today and of course next week vs. "them" will still count as a decent season given everything these players and this program has been through over the last year.


Team Overview / Players of Note

Penn State

The Penn State offense ranks 88^th nationally at 359 yards per game. They are 8^th in total defense, allowing an average of 287 yards per game, and rank 3^rd in points allowed per game (12.9).

Penn State quite frankly has no decent quarterback, but Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin have shared the duties. McGloin seems to be the guy now, but both pretty much suck so it really doesn't matter who starts. McGloin has 1,386 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. Bolden has 526 passing yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions.

Running back Silas Redd, PSU's only real offensive threat, leads the team with 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns.

Derek Moye and Justin Brown are one-two in receiving for the Nittany Lions. Moye has 34 catches for 592 yards and three scores, while Brown has caught 32 balls for 423 yards and one touchdown.


Ohio State

Ohio State is 108^th in total offense (317 yards per game) nationally. They are 15^th in total defense, allowing an average of 317 yards per game, and rank 16^th in points allowed per game (18.9).

The Silver Bullets have 22 sacks and 11 interceptions through 10 games.

On the season, QB Braxton Miller, has 679 passing yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has 490 yards on the ground and five rushing touchdowns. His current passer efficiency rating is 134.

Carlos Hyde still leads the team in rushing with 525 yards and six touchdowns, while senior starter Dan Herron, who will play his final home game today has 477 yards and a two scores.

Devin Smith leads the team in yardage with 241 yards on 11 catches, including four for scores. Tight end Jake Stoneburner, who has not caught a pass in the last three games, is still second on the team with 150 yards, and still leads in receptions and touchdowns, with 12 and six respectively.


Ohio State—Penn State History Lesson And Trends

• Ohio State is 14-12-0 all-time vs. PSU.

• Ohio State is 69-8 in Ohio Stadium since 2001.

• Ohio State is 18-2 in November games since 2005.

• Ohio State has won 4 of the last 5 meetings against PSU.

• Ohio State is 183-78-11 all-time in November home games.

• Ohio State is 2-2 against ranked teams under coach Luke Fickell this year.

• Ohio State's defense has held opponent to fewer than 10 points 31 times since 2006.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in the past 28 games at home.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just seven 100-yard rushers in their last 46 games.

• Ohio State has held 66 opponents to 21 points or less since the start of the 2005 season.

• Ohio State has lost just three games in the month of November since their last loss to Michigan on November 22^nd, 2003 (Purdue 2004, Illinois 2007, Purdue 2011).

• PSU has only beaten Ohio State twice in Columbus since 1978.


Final Thoughts and Score Prediction

There's really not much else to say. I believe it was all covered in the opener.

This game feels like a toss-up so the home team gets the edge.

The score is anyone's guess.

Here's mine -- literally a gut-feeling guess.

Ohio State 20
Penn State 12


"To be a champion, you have to believe in yourself when no one else will" (you also have to beat Purdue, but I digress) - Sugar Ray Robinson

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Ohio State-Penn State Exclusive Game Highlights in Hi-Def

This past Saturday evening, Penn State may have won the first half, but it's not how you start, it's how you finish...

The following video was produced by Lednerk, and is presented here, exclusively by BlockONation.

Enjoy!




Devon Torrence with the 1st of TWO second half Pick-6 INTs for the Buckeyes!


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Ohio State vs. Penn State LIVE In-Game Blog Chat TODAY AT 3:15pm

Hey Buckeye fans, join in the LIVE chat brought to you by FoxSportsOhio and BlockONation!

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Ohio State—Penn State History Lesson

• This will be the 26th meeting between Ohio State and Penn State.

• Ohio State leads the all-time series 13-12-0 (the first meeting was in 1912).

• Ohio State is 6-2 in the last eight meetings vs. Penn State.

• Ohio State has lost just twice at home to Penn State since 1978.

• Ohio State is 26-2 against unranked conference opponents, dating back to 2005.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in their last 32 games.

• Terrelle Pryor is now 27-4 as Ohio State's starting quarterback.

• Jim Tressel is 6-3 overall (3-1 at home, 3-2 on the road) vs. Penn State.

• Penn State is 7-8 on the road all-time vs. Ohio State.

• Penn State has never scored more than 13 points vs. Ohio State in Columbus.

• Penn State is 6-11 vs. Ohio State since joining the Big Ten in 1993.

• Penn State has one outright and two shared Big Ten titles: 1994, 2005, and 2008.

• Joe Paterno is 8-13 vs. Ohio State as Penn State's head coach (1966-2009).

• This is Joe Paterno's 45th season as Penn State head coach and he is the DI leader with 400 career wins.


Brief Game Outlook

Penn State has been playing better as of late, but this will be Matt McGloin's 1st Big Ten road start and he has not faced a defense like what he will be facing today.

Ohio State is No. 1 against the run, No. 1 against the pass, and they have the top defensive unit in both points and total yardage allowed.

A win by the Nittany Lions today would be a shocker, and would end the Buckeyes hopes of a sixth straight shared or outright Big 10 title.

Don't worry Buckeye fans, and don't hold your breath PSU fans...


Final Score Prediction

Ohio State 37
Penn State 9


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Ohio State vs. Penn State: Why JoePa Won't Get Win No. 401 Against the Buckeyes

Congratulations to coach Paterno on reaching his 400th career victory last Saturday against Northwestern.

The man who has been the head Nittany Lion since the Johnson administration became the first FBS coach to reach 400 wins. He’s a true model of loyalty and consistency.

That being said, it’s hard to imagine Penn State winning No. 401 for Joe Pa Saturday in Ohio Stadium.

PSU has only beaten Ohio State once in Columbus since they joined the Big Ten in 1993.

That came two years ago when Terrelle’s Pryor’s fumble on a quarterback sneak paved the way for the Blue and White’s game-winning drive.

They arrive in Columbus a different team than they were a month ago.

An embarrassing loss to Illinois dropped the Nittany Lions to 3-3 and 0-2 in the Big Ten. They have since run off three straight wins including climbing back from a 21-0 deficit last week against Northwestern.

PSU scored 35 straight points, led by quarterback Matt McGloin’s four touchdown passes.

OSU coach Jim Tressel, who mentioned he saw the first quarter of the game on television and caught the rest on the radio en route to a high school game, said he didn’t exactly expect PSU to give up last week.

“When it's 21-0 they're not going to fold the tent. That's just not how they're made,” Tressel said. “You’re going to have to play 60 minutes to compete with them.”

McGloin, a former walk-on, has eight touchdowns (seven passing, one rushing) in the last three games against Minnesota, Michigan and Northwestern.

Those three defenses aren’t exactly elite, something the OSU defense, ranked third in the nation in scoring defense, clearly is. The “Silver Bullets” will also have starting linebacker Ross Homan back in the fold as he seems to have recovered from his foot injury.

Oddly enough, OSU is 2-4 after bye weeks under Tressel, so perhaps Penn State has a chance.

However, in six home games this season, the Buckeyes have beaten their opponents by an average score of 47-11, and in case you forgot what the Buckeyes did to a much better Penn State squad last year in Happy Valley, here's a reminder.



So much for beating the Buckeyes and their "arm-punting" QB, eh PSU fans?


Image originally posted before the 2009 game on BlackShoeDiaries.com

Throw in the fact that the game will start at 3:30, which equates to an even livelier Horseshoe crowd.

This game will not be decided where an Ohio State-Penn State game usually is (in the trenches), but rather, through the air.

Terrelle Pryor should be able to torture the Nittany Lion secondary to the tune of three touchdown passes while the Buckeye defense pressures and pounds on McGloin all day long.

The final score will likely be somewhere in the neighborhood of Ohio State 34, Penn State 10.


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This article was written by BlockONation contributor, Grant Freking

Ohio State-Penn State LIVE In-Game Chat Starting at 3PM on Saturday—Be Here!

Final Score:
OHIO STATE 24, Penn State 7

We expect a very large turnout for the game chat so please login with your Twitter, MySpace or Facebook account if possible to be sure your comments can be seen in a timely fashion!



In Conjunction with BuckeyeBattleCry.com




Pretty decent video. I'm just embarrassed for them when it lists their 2009 opponents one by one. PSU has the No. 1 or No. 2 most pathetic schedule in the nation this year, right next to the Florida Gators.




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Ohio State Photoshop Art, Compliments of the "Classy" Fans From Penn State Blog BlackShoeDiaries.com

By HD Handshoe
Founder—BlockONation


I just wanted Buckeye fans to see the classy photoshop images created by some of the Nintendo Nerds over at the Penn State blog—BlackShoeDiaries.com.

Take a look at the images below, then be sure to read the "can't miss" article just published over there yesterday entitled Hate Week: Ohio $tate.

It's priceless that they take no responsibility and blame tOSU for the Big Ten's national perception, even though they get smoked practically every time they play us or any team OOC not named Akron, Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, Eastern Illinois, Florida International, Syracuse, or Temple, etc., and I didn't even mention last year's Rose Bowl where USC killed them too, but I'll digress on that, for now.

How many BCS titles does Penn State have again?

How many BCS title games has Penn State played in?

OK, now I digress.

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Thanks for all the great photoshop images PSU fans.

By BSD request, here's a couple right back at ya!



The new logo helmet is fitting since everyone does it: Wear Depends, Shits on you, Shits on me, Schards all over themselves....whatever.

Well, maybe only Joe Poop does it, but the new helmet is still pretty sweet, eh State Penn fans?!

POST OHIO STATE 24-7 WIN OVER psu

Also, please allow me to additionally offer you this video reminder of Ohio State's last visit to State College in return as thanks -- You're welcome, and enjoy!




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Ohio State—Penn State: Week 10 Preview, Free History Lesson Included

By HD Handshoe
Founder—BlockONation



No. 16 Ohio State (7-2) travels to State College this week to take on the No. 11 Penn State Nittany Lions (8-1) in Happy Valley. Kickoff is Saturday at 3:30PM in Beaver Stadium.

The Nittany Lions are currently tied with Ohio State for second place in the Big Ten standings, both with one loss apiece.

PSU lost at home to undefeated Iowa, while the Buckeyes dropped a shocker on the road at Purdue.

Ohio State controls their own destiny and can with its' fifth consecutive Big Ten Championship by winning their final three games.

For Penn State to claim at least a share of the title, they have to win out and get help (in the form of a win over Iowa) from either Northwestern, Ohio State, or Minnesota.


Penn State—By The Numbers:

Quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster are the top offensive players for PSU.

Clark has 2158 passing yards, 148 rushing yards, with five rushing touchdowns, 18 passing touchdowns to only seven interceptions, and a QB Rating of 149.

Royster has 145 carries for 859 yards and five scores. He also has 11 receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown.

The leading receivers for Penn State are Derek Moye (39 receptions, 648 yards, five touchdowns), Chaz Powell (26 receptions, 355 yards, three touchdowns), Graham Zug (30 receptions, 350 yards, five touchdowns), and Andrew Quarless (25 receptions, 340 yards, one touchdown).

Statistically, PSU has the top defense in the Big Ten but that 'D' will be tested this week as Ohio State might just be a little better than Akron, Temple, Syracuse, Eastern Illinois, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, or Northwestern.


Ohio State—By The Numbers:

Terrelle Pryor has 1543 passing yards, 554 rushing yards, with six rushing touchdowns, 13 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a QB Rating of 129.

With injuries to Boom Herron and Brandon Saine, freshmen backs Jordan Hall and Jermil Martin have both earned playing time and may continue to see the field as a result of their play.

Pryor, Saine, Herron, Hall, and Martin have combined for 1612 yards on the ground and 15 rushing touchdowns. That's nearly 180 rush yards and 1.7 touchdowns per game.

Ohio State's top receivers are DeVier Posey (43 receptions, 595 yards, six touchdowns plus one passing touchdown), Dane Sanzenbacher (23 receptions, 460 yards, six touchdowns), Duron Carter (12 receptions, 164 yards, one touchdown), and Ray Small (12 receptions, 153 yards).

In shutting out the Aggies last week, the Buckeye defense held NMST to all of 62 total yards. On offense, the Buckeyes piled up 559 yards and had seven players amass more individual yards than the Aggies did as a team in 45 plays.

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11/7/2009—Game 10—3:30PM Kickoff
TV: ABC

VS.


Ohio State—Penn State History and Tidbits:

• This will be the 25th meeting between Ohio State and Penn State.

• The all-time series is currently tied 12-12-0 (the first meeting was in 1912).

• Ohio State is 5-2 overall in the last seven meetings vs. Penn State.

• Ohio State's last loss in Happy Valley was a 17-10 defeat in 2005.

• Ohio State's last win in Happy Valley was a 37-17 victory in 2007.

• Jim Tressel is 5-3 overall (3-1 at home, 2-2 on the road) vs. Penn State.

• Penn State is 5-4 all-time vs. Ohio State at home.

• Penn State has never beaten Ohio State in consecutive seasons.

• Penn State was 6-2 vs. Ohio State before joining the Big Ten in 1993.

• Penn State has one outright and two shared Big Ten titles: 1994, 2005, and 2008.

• This is Joe Paterno's 44th season as Penn State head coach.

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After a missed field goal and a punt in a scoreless first quarter of last weeks game against the Aggies of New Mexico State, Terrelle Pryor and crew exploded for 28 points in the second quarter and never looked back.

In fact, most of the starters, Pryor included, did not play at all in the second half. Many second, third, and fourth stringers on both sides of the ball saw considerable action as the Buckeyes cruised to the 45-0 blowout win and their third shutout of the year.

That will not be the case against Penn State. The Buckeyes will surely need every minute and every last ounce of 100% effort they can muster from all 22 of their starters if they are to earn a revenge-game victory over a very good Nittany Lions football team on their home turf.

A year ago, the teams met under somewhat similar circumstances at Ohio Stadium, with both perfect in league play. The Buckeyes led 6-3 in the fourth quarter when Pryor fumbled on a third-down play. The Nittany Lions, with Pat Devlin taking over for an injured Clark, drove 38 yards and scored on a 1-yard touchdown run.

Ohio State had two more possessions, but had to punt after the first. Devlin then guided the Lions to a field goal for a 13-6 lead. Pryor's deep throw with 27 seconds left was picked off by Lydell Sargeant to seal the game.

I hope we see some of the wrinkles Tressel called against NMST, i.e. the onside kick, or double-reverse-pass by Posey, but I won't hold my breath.

After all, JT only goes for those kinds of plays against teams he still expects to thump even if the risks do not pay off.

This game could go either way, and it will probably be low-scoring and close.

But since it's a revenge game, and because I think the OSU defensive front can and will break through PSU's o-line and pressure Clark into mistakes, I'm going with the Scarlet and Gray.

No matter the outcome, I hope PSU fans will show some class and respect for the visiting Ohio State fans, and vice-versa.


Let's please not see another scene like this:




Final score prediction:

Ohio State 20, Penn State 16



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