Penn State player to watch
K.J. Hamler, WR — Penn State’s star wide-receiver is the key in this one for more than one reason. First and foremost, there’s a question of whether he’s going to be cleared to play. He suffered a head injury against Indiana and had to come out of the game. According to head coach James Franklin, he’s hopeful to get him back, but it all depends on him passing all the medical tests and evaluations.
The depth chart released for the game has Hamler as the starter, but is that a smokescreen?
#PennState WR K.J. Hamler accumulated 42 receptions, 754 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns (along with 44 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD) in his redshirt-freshman season.
Hamler also added 619 Return (523 kick, 96 punt) yards.
A true featured weapon in his first on-field season pic.twitter.com/EsHleW6b5r
— Russell Clay (@RussellJClay) May 21, 2019
If he’s healthy, how healthy will he be? If he’s near 100%, he’s by far the most dangerous weapon Penn State has on the outside. We saw him take one the distance against Ohio State last year, and if he can get the ball in space, he’s as fast and illusive as almost anyone in the country. He could be a great equalizer against a defense that’s been lights out for the Buckeyes so far in 2019.
Penn State Can Win The Game If …
It can limit the big play.
Ohio State has had highlight after highlight of long run and pass plays so far in 2019. It can pile up the yards and has multiple weapons in both the run and passing game. The Buckeyes lead the nation in scoring offense, and though it can grind it out if need be, it’s the explosive play that gets things rockin’.
If Penn State can make Justin Fields go through his progressions and keep running back J.K. Dobbins to 3 and 4 yard gains rather than chunk yardage, it has a chance. It might be a tall order though.