OSU v Penn State

October 25

Overview:

It’s Homecoming for Ohio State and the Buckeyes are going to have to buckle up their chinstraps for this one because the Penn State Nittany Lions come to town.  Since their debut in the Big Ten in 1993, the Buckeyes and the Nittany Lions have fought some epic battles.  Joe Paterno is in his final year of his contract at PSU and the legendary coach wants to go out on top.  The Lions have never beaten the Buckeyes in Columbus since joining the conference and I guarantee Joe-Pa wants to put that horse to bed before he retires... sorry…IF he retires.

By Pete Quint

Preview:

    Penn State will have a new starting quarterback this year and the race is tight between senior Daryll Clark and sophomore Pat Devlin.  Fortunately either man will get to throw to wide receiver Derrick Williams.  Williams burst onto the scene as a freshman with his blazing speed and pass catching ability but since has been quiet.  He’s got one last shot at the NFL and I think you will see him put up some impressive numbers in 2008.  The Lions have a pair of young but experienced running backs and an incredible offensive line.  The Penn State defense has faced both suspensions and injury already in 2008.  If everyone comes back, it should be a formidable unit but the outlook doesn’t appear good.  No matter what the Buckeyes will be challenged from the starting kickoff on both sides of the ball.

Outcome:

    Playing Wisconsin and Michigan in consecutive weeks leading up to their game with Ohio State might be too much for the Lions.  Following up two physical contests with another physical contest will challenge the fortitude of the Lions.  The Buckeye offense will jump all over a beaten and bruised defense and will wear them down by the third quarter.  The game might not see a whole lot of points but Beanie Wells will get plenty of carries as he punishes a weakened Lion defense.