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Saturday, October 25th. 8 p.m. est. Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Saturday night’s game in Columbus means everything for the Nittany Lions. Win, and the road to “the” major bowl becomes a lot smoother. Lose, and there goes your shot. In short, this could be one of the biggest, most important regular season games in Penn State Football history. What we have on our side is talent everywhere, heart by the ton, and determination to get it done. What we have against us is a cocky freshman QB who burned PSU in the latter stages of recruiting, a big dangerous running back, and an 0-7 all time record in Columbus. Raise your hand if you’re nervous to the point of nausea? My hand is up.
Breakdown...
When PSU is on offense: Here’s the deal…we need a solid Daryll Clark, we need to limit major mistakes/turnovers (especially on our end of the field), and our offensive line needs to get the upper hand against a lack-luster OSU front four. First off, Clark is our key to offensive success; if he gets going, makes good decisions, and manages the offense like he has, then our offense will roll. OSU will definitely load up on the run and force Clark to beat them, so he is a huge key to the game. Seondly, turnovers have killed us against OSU in the past, and the Buckeyes mounted a huge lead last week against Michigan State by preying off of Spartan Turnovers, mostly in Spartan territory. Lastly, our O line could mean the difference between a solid run game and a non-existent one, and a solid Daryll Clark and a QB who never gets into a rhythm. OSU’s d line, and D in general, did a good job against MSU’s run last weekend, but MSU is one-dimensional. When the run failed, they had nothing to back it up. We have the ability to run and pass, but both could prove tough. Although the Buckeye defensive line has played inconsistently, their defensive backfield is very good led by All-American Malcolm Jenkins (who, by the way, has returned 2 INTS for TDs in the last 2 games against PSU). Nevertheless, our O will be ready, and don’t be surprised to see some new formations, new plays, and new wrinkles in the offense; something tells me that the coaches have had plays waiting in the wings just for this game.
When PSU is on defense: Priority #1: Stop Chris Wells (I refuse to call him Beanie). Pryority #2: get after that cocky SOB Terrelle Pryor. Smack him around, confuse him, frustrate him—all in attempt to bring out more of his “freshman tendencies”. Make no mistake about it, these are the top two things PSU must do to win the game. Ohio State’s passing game, although respectable, is nothing without a solid run game, so it’s important to stop the run. Look for D coordinator Tom Bradley to show Pryor/OSU tons of looks in attempt to throw him off; don’t be shocked if we run some 4 linebacker (4-4) sets in order to load up on the run. Look for true freshman linebacker Mike Mauti (#42) to provide athleticism and speed on the outside in order to contain and harass Pryor. Mauti came into the Michigan game midway through the second quarter, and immediately made in impact. Of course, despite our personnel and gameplan, we must tackle well, shed blockers, and eliminate mental mistakes—things that we didn’t do in the first quarter and a half last week. Something tells me this week's PSU defense will be more focused.
When there’s only 4 games left in 2008 (plus a bowl game): enjoy the ride, especially considering it’s probably the last season for a living legend.
Bottom line: This game means everything. The stakes are as big as they can get for a regular season game. On offense, if Daryll Clark can lead us, if we can control the line of scrimmage, and if we can eliminate major mistakes, then we’ll be just fine. On defense, just stop the run and knock around that a-hole quarterback of theirs. Do those things, and the rest will fall into place. Then, the road will become smoother and magical things could be on the horizon.
KNITS pick…
PSU 24
OSU 14
Game notes…
1. Let’s Go State!
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