Nerves for Happy Valley? Just Get Happy.
It’s basically a three-game season for Ohio State. Win 3 and it will go down as a successful season—a Big Ten title, beating Michigan and a trip to the Rose Bowl can only be described as such. Lose any of the three, and history won’t be so kind to the Buckeyes. Just the facts, ma’am… and the Buckeyes know it better than anyone else. So the Bucks are putting full focus and attention on Happy Valley Saturday. They’re coming off two improved weeks of offensive play and dominant efforts from its defense. And still…
NO ONE THINKS THEY’LL BEAT PENN STATE!!
At least no one I’ve talked to has much confidence in this team to go into one of college football’s toughest road environments and win a significant game. And I guess I understand the logic. Think about this… when was the last time a ranked OSU team beat a higher ranked team? OSU over Miami, 2003 BCS National Title Game. That’s no joke. Now we’re expecting these Buckeyes to beat two higher ranked teams in two straight weeks? Come on, right?
I say they’ll do it. And here’s why.
I like OSU’s defense and it’s ability to pressure Penn State QB Daryl Clark. OSU defends the run well (PSU and OSU rank 5th and 6th nationally against the run), and I don’t believe sturdy but not spectcular Evan Royster will be a major factor. So how does Penn State score? Maybe they’ll pop a big play or two, but I don’t think they’ll find consistent ground against the Buckeyes.
So now it’s on the Buckeye offense, which scares most people to death. Jim Tressel says it all the time. The most difficult thing for a defense to contain is a QB who can run. Expect Terrelle Pryor to run like a gazelle in a stadium full of a people who think he betrayed the state of Pennsylvania! I firmly believe this will the be the first big game in which Pryor makes a significant impact on the result, for the better of his team, mind you. He must be cautious with the ball, but I think OSU could get away with a win even if Pryor throws a pick or two (let’s be honest—he’s gonna throw at least one a game).
PSU does not feature blockbuster talent at wideout or in either return game, however their punter is very strong.
And I’ll add this. Regardless of Saturday’s result, I feel extremely confident Iowa comes to the Horsehoe and bites it hard next Saturday. SO when Vegas says PSU is a 4-point favorite at home, I say it’s the first positive Buckeye upset in years.
