5 Reaons Why Ohio State Just Might Beat Penn State

The difference between Ohio State and Penn State this year has been Purdue.  That's right, both teams have beaten their opponents by 20 plus points, have one loss in the Big Ten and are near the top of the Big Ten in almost all defensive categories.  Both teams average about the same points scored and each quarterback comes from their rival home state.  Both teams have really beaten up on inferior opponents.  Penn State has feasted on the weaklings of Eastern IL, Syracuse, Temple, Michigan and Ohio State has routed similar cup cakes like Toledo, New Mexico State, Indiana and Illinois.  Both teams have lost to decent teams at home in night games; the Hawkeyes over the Lions and USC's heart ripping win over OSU.  Interestingly this is the 25th meeting between these two schools, and you guessed, it, the series is tied 12-12. However, very few in any college football fans or experts are giving Ohio State much of a chance even though the betting lines appear close.  Why?  Most College football fans have the Purdue game etched in their mind, that shocking game when the Offense looked stagnant, Pryor looked like a deer caught in the head lights, and the vaunted Buckeye defense appeared to be mediocre.  However, there are a number of reasons why Ohio State just might win, notice I'm not saying pull off the shocker in Happy Valley this Saturday.

1. OHIO STATE is fairly healthy.  Returning this Saturday is the healthy defensive linemen Deximore and RB Boom Boom Herron. It has been weeks since this DL had this much depth and with Deximore in the line up the Defensive line has been very effective. Herron is Ohio State's most experienced running back and joins a healthy Saine and emerging youngsters Hall and Martin will give a boost to the Buckeye attack.

2.  OHIO STATE is still the most talented team in the Big Ten.  True Penn State is loaded, but The Buckeyes have more play makers on both sides of the ball.  Don't forget that Ohio State was picked to win the Big Ten and won't lay down the Big Ten crown very easily.  Ohio State has shown that it can win games with its defense and special teams even when the offense has been sputtering.  For proof?  Ask Wisconsin!

3.   OHIO STATE has more experience under their belt.  True, both Penn State's and Ohio State's stats look impressive, but who really has Penn State beaten?  Ohio State beat Wisconsin, loss in a heart breaker to USC, who they really out played and while many see the Purdue loss as an indicator of how poor OSU is, one needs to remember that Purdue just about beat Oregon, and had a very good game against the Buckeyes who were on the road.  Remember fans that The Hawkeyes, the only decent team The Lions played, made them look very pedestrian. Penn State also struggled for most of their game against Northwestern.  One needs to keep in mind that Ohio State's defense will be just as fast and skilled as Iowa's which for the most part shut down Penn State after their 10-0 early lead. 

4.  OHIO STATE has less pressure to win this game.  While Ohio State is supposed to be the great under dog and Penn State being seen as the sure winner, the pressure is on them to perform well in a 'white out' at home.  Both teams have this game circled all year, but Penn State will see this game as their last chance to win one of their last big three games this past year, losing twice to Iowa in the past year. The longer this game remains close, the more confidence Ohio State builds and the more pressure builds on Penn State.

5. OHIO STATE is gaining some momentum on offense. That's right, the past two weeks Ohio State has rolled up big yards.  Yes, it was against inferior opponents, but compare Ohio State's games verses similar Penn State opponents and there's not much difference.  Northwestern found success against Penn State with short passes, and Terrell Pryor has improved much in his short passing efficiency.  Should the offense have some success, let's say score 14-17 points, hold on to the ball, and give the defense ample rest time, this game can become very close. Finally playing in front of family and friends on a national stage, this just might be Terrell Pryor's coming out party.

The real difference between Ohio State and Penn State is in their record and national perception due to Ohio State's lapse against Purdue.  Given the facts, this game can be much closer than many anticipate and there are valid concerns why Penn State should not be over confident in approaching this game, but see it every bit as dangerous if not more than their loss to Iowa.  Let's wait and see, it will be a fun one to watch!