Ohio State game plan for victory
Ohio State will get its first true test since a loss to Oregon in Week 2 and since shuffling defensive coaches. The Buckeyes have looked totally different since. However, it could be said the competition hasn’t been all that imposing. But the Buckeyes have gotten better each week and done exactly what they should have.
Now a Penn State team comes to town that seems battered and bruised. Sean Clifford did not look fully healthy against Illinois on Saturday. We know Clifford is a capable quarterback and has a big-time weapon, Jahon Dotson, but the Nittany Lions running game has not established an identity.
Illinois was able to sack Clifford four times Saturday. The Ohio State defensive line has to be licking its chops after seeing that stat. Clifford can scramble when needed, but the Buckeyes defense has been much more disciplined this year and I don’t see them letting him free often. Pressure the QB, negate the playmaking ability of Dotson.
Offensively, CJ Stroud keeps moving up the Heisman charts, as he should. His stats over the past several weeks have been eye-popping. However, Penn State had trouble stopping the run against the Illini, giving up 357 yards on the ground. Yikes! TreVeyon Henderson, as well as the backups, could be in for a big day.
Ohio State’s ability to score quickly has shocked opponents into submission early. The Buckeyes scored 30 points in the second quarter before Indiana knew what hit it. If Penn State allows the Buckeyes to score at will, it could be a scary night for the Nittany Lions in the Horseshoe.
Next … The key players for Ohio State