Ohio State’s offense is the difference
Both of these defenses are good. Ohio State is now statistically the best in the country, but Penn State isn’t too far behind with the No. 7 ranked scoring defense in all the land. It is especially stout against the run, giving up just 75.5 yards per game. That’s better than the Buckeyes are allowing on the ground, and good enough for fourth in FBS.
So both defenses will likely make plays Saturday. Though last time we saw a really good defense come into Columbus, Ohio State exposed some issues on the way to a 38-7 win over Wisconsin.
Ohio State's defense still leads the nation in points allowed/game (9.8), yards allowed/game (216.4) and yards allowed/play (3.52).
Ohio State's offense also still leads the nation in points scored/game (51.5) and ranks fourth in yards/game (541.7), sixth in yards/play (7.26).
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) November 17, 2019
Where the Buckeyes have a serious advantage though is offensively. OSU leads the country in scoring at 51.5 points per game. Penn State has not faced an offense anywhere near what it’s going to try and stop this weekend. It might get Ohio State off the field from time-to-time, but not as many times as the Buckeyes stuff the Nittany Lions’ offensive attack.
[lawrence-related id=16707]