The critics have been out in full force piling on Penn State after a demoralizing loss at home last weekend to Illinois. The mob has been coming for James Franklin with some willing to pack his bags on his way to USC or LSU. Long-time fans are thinking it will be next to impossible for Penn State to even become bowl eligible. After two straight losses and a tough matchup on the road against Ohio State, emotions are running high and expectations have taken a nosedive for many around Happy Valley.
But what are people thinking outside of the Penn State bubble? And what do those who follow the Ohio State Buckeyes think about the current state of the Nittnay Lions?
Phil Harrison, editor of Buckeyes Wire, has been helping us out all week get some perspective on this week’s matchup and providing insight on the Buckeyes. But what does he think about Penn State? (I also shared a Penn State perspective on the Buckeyes for Buckeyes Wire this week.)
Phil doesn’t think Ohio State fans should be taking Penn State lightly this week. Here’s what he had to say about this weekend’s matchup:
Don’t be fooled by last week’s subpar performance from Penn State. Quarterback Sean Clifford was not himself, and I still believe athletically, the Nittany Lions match up better with the Buckeyes than any other team in the Big Ten (yes, Michigan included). Most Ohio State fans would say that this game will be tighter and a tougher matchup than many believe (Vegas included) and if we’re being honest, might have a little concern about OSU playing so well against an actual, real, live defense. Was the last few weeks just a product of Ohio State playing weaker competition, or will it carry over against a good team? The jury is out.
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit also says to expect Penn State to play with some pride this weekend.
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