Ohio State-Penn State: Is This a Real Contest or Media Hype?

When I heard GameDay was coming to Columbus this weekend, I had a nice chuckle. I realize this Saturday isn't full of riveting matchups, but there has to be a better game than this to drum up.

This is the same Penn State team that a few weeks ago found itself at 3-3, after being embarrassed by Iowa and at home by Illinois. They were cellar dwellers in the conference, and their coach was talking about playing with no facemasks. Yes, he remembers playing back that far—he was born the same year Mussolini took control of Italy and Route 66 was built. 

But here they come nonetheless, with a three-game winning streak, including their most impressive win of the season over Northwestern, giving Paterno his 400th overall. A week ago the College GameDay experts were touting Northwestern and picking them for the win, but now they head to Columbus trying to hype the same Nittany Lion squad they dogged seven days earlier.

So what's the deal? Is this all just a by-product of Paterno making history?  Are the media outlets and experts hoping for some of the same magic that this matchup has enjoyed in recent history? Or has Penn State really turned their season around and become the real deal?

Sorry, I think it is all media hype.

While I believe the Nittany Lions are a slightly improved team from the one that was so anemic just a few weeks ago, they still have been winning in average fashion over some very average teams. Even Paterno made it clear this week that his team wasn't of the same caliber of those in previous years that challenged the Buckeyes.

"We're not in Ohio State's league right now," Paterno said Tuesday. "Not this year."

I realize that JoePa is playing the underdog card to some extent, but even he isn't delusional enough in his old age to think that his team matches up well in this game at all. Seriously, look at either side of the ball. Penn State's defense is the worst it has been in years, and has been pushed around rather than controlling the game.

I have always had great respect for what they have done on that side of the ball, but not this year. For starters, they are giving up 346 yards and 20 points a game. Even during this three-game winning streak they have given up over 24 points a game.

The Buckeyes offense, on the other hand, is averaging 42 points a game and is the most explosive in the Tressel era. With Pryor at home, where he seems to flourish, I don't think the Nittany Lions will have much luck keeping him in check. 

Now the other side of the ball is a little more interesting for PSU, as they seem to have finally found an identity. Evan Royster is back in rhythm after some early-season struggles, and is coming off of two hundred-yard games. A lot of this can be credited to Matt McGloin, who has stepped in at quarterback the last few weeks and is making things happen. In fact, the Nittany Lions have scored 109 points in their last three games, after only racking up 65 points in the five games before that.

Still, I like the Buckeye defense for numerous reasons. One, they are way more healthy than they have been in weeks, as Ross Homan and Dorian Bell are back. As always, the Buckeye front seven has been stingy, only giving up 84 yards a game on the ground, so I don't think Royster has a big day. In case you care, he only had 36 yards last year in this contest.

Not only that, but the Silver Bullets will bring the heat on McGloin, who has not played on the road in an environment like the Shoe. I know some Buckeye fans will bring up what James Vandenberg did for Iowa last year, but that is a terrible example. Not only did he throw three picks, which everyone seems to forget, but the only reason the Hawkeyes stayed in that game was piss-poor special teams.

Back to this year, while the secondary is banged up, they have only given up four touchdown passes all year. They have been gashed by some big plays down the middle, but I don't expect a lot out of McGloin. He doesn't have a bevy of weapons around him, and the reality is that he has been made to look good by some very average defenses.

So all those folks from Happy Valley better hope for the Buckeyes to come out sleeping after the bye week, or that Pryor plays like he did against Purdue last year, because they don't have much hope outside of that. I love Paterno and I really wish this Penn State team was better, as the Buckeyes' strength of schedule could sure use a boost, but I think they are just pretenders.

I expect OSU to come out sharp and hungry, and walk away with this game in the end.