Penn State vs Ohio State Preview

Posted by Joe Chuba on 11/14 at 09:27 AM

Nittany Lion play-by-play voice Steve Jones previews the cross state showdown between Penn State and Ohio State.

Step by step there will be a healing process at Penn State.  The candlelight vigil on the Old Main lawn drew thousands Friday night.  Penn State University President Dr. Rodney Erickson showed strength Friday and Saturday before the media, the walk on to the field, the prayer with both teams, the crowd and the game all combined to take that small step forward.
On the field Penn State got off to a slow start.  They could not get any rhythm on offense and struggled to find the pace on defense.  The defense allowed Penn State to hang in for a long time.  The pass interference call was the biggest one of the game because Nebraska would have had to settle for a field goal.  Instead, that allowed it to be first and goal and an eventual touchdown. 
With Silas Redd banged up Stephfon Green stepped up and played really well.  He ran hard and made plays.  The pass offense found just enough of a gear down the stretch to help get a couple of scores on the board.  The pass play to Derek Moye set up the third quarter score.  The reverse pass by Curtis Drake to Matt McGloin was put in Monday at practice and set up the second touchdown.  The receivers still need to do a better job of getting separation in this offense, though.
Ohio State has struggled this season with suspensions and a young quarterback.  Getting Dan Heron back has been an important step and allowed Braxton Miller to find more of a comfort zone at quarterback.  Miller is an excellent runner and will cause problems with his feet while the passing part is still a work in progress. 
The Ohio State defense has been up and down.  John Simon has had an outstanding season up front and has 14 tackles for losses and six sacks.  Andrew Sweat has also been very good at linebacker and Bradley Roby has three of Ohio State’s 11 interceptions.
Drew Basil has been solid as a placekicker while Ben Buchanan has been a solid punter with 41 yards per kick.  Jordan Hall has been outstanding on kickoff returns.
Penn State looks to bounce back as they lead the division by one game.

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