Penn State is trying to snap a seven-game losing streak to the Ohio State Buckeyes today in Happy Valley, and it will require a big performance from both sides of the ball. With starting quarterback Drew Allar healthy enough to start, the offense should at least be at full strength.
The defense, however, is missing one of its most important players. Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton is out with an injury he sustained against the Wisconsin Badgers a week ago, putting more pressure on the secondary to make plays in coverage. Without his ability to get after the QB, they will likely have to spend more time covering Ohio State’s impressive receivers.
Early on, the results were about as positive as possible. On the very first pass from Ohio State QB Will Howard, Penn State corner [autotag]Zion Tracy[/autotag] jumped the route by Jeremiah Smith and returned it for a touchdown.
It’s hard to imagine a better start for Penn State in the biggest game of the season. It’s obviously very early (and Ohio State has already answered with a pair of touchdowns of their own), but that score helps give them a leg up the rest of the way.
Tracy hasn’t played many snaps this season, but he made the most of his opportunity on this play. Hopefully the secondary can make a few more plays when given the chance.