Penn State-Ohio State: What To Expect From Ohio State's Receivers

The ESPN College GameDay crew heads to Columbus, Ohio on Saturday for the Big Ten showdown between the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions and the No. 9 Ohio State Buckeyes. The undefeated Nittany Lions are also ranked third in the BCS Standings, which were released Sunday.

Ohio State enters the game tied with Penn State in the conference (4-0, 7-1 overall) with its lone loss to USC early in September. It has rebounded well following the road loss in Los Angeles with conference wins over current-No. 25 Minnesota, Wisconsin, Purdue, and then-ranked No. 20 Michigan State.

This game will reveal which team is in the driver’s seat in terms of winning the Big Ten championship. Not to mention, both teams have legitimate chances to play for the national championship.

In terms of the visiting Nittany Lions, their “Spread HD” offense has received much recognition thus far this season and has turned this team into a big surprise on the national stage.

Quarterback Darryl Clark leads the explosive offense, which also highlights playmakers Evan Royster at running back and receivers Derrick Williams, Jordan Norwood, and Deon Butler. All of this production is anchored by an offensive line that boasts four seniors.

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes’ offense features freshman sensation Terrelle Pryor at quarterback alongside preseason Heisman-favorite Chris “Beanie” Wells at running back in the backfield.

Much is publicized about each team’s defensive unit as well. Penn State is famously known as “Linebacker U;” the 2008 defensive unit has yet to allow 100 total points. The host Ohio State consistently owns one of the best defenses in the country.

What is not known about this game is how Ohio State’s receivers will be able to contribute. On the same token, not much is known about the Penn State secondary.

What can we expect from this matchup on Saturday?

For Ohio State, the receiving corps is led by senior Brian Robiskie, who leads the team in catches and touchdown receptions. After Wells became healthy following a toe injury, the Buckeye running game was more of the focus.

As a result, Robiskie has caught only two passes in each of the last three games. If the offensive coaching staff chooses to utilize the passing game more on Saturday, look for Robiskie in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

Next in line for the Buckeyes is junior Brian Hartline, who leads the team in receiving yards and yards per catch, and owns Ohio State's longest reception of the season. Hartline succeeds on long passes down the sidelines and crossing routes over the middle of the field. Expect Penn State to blitz often on Saturday, which could leave both areas open for Pryor to find Hartline.

Other options for Ohio State include wideouts Ray Small and DeVier Posey, who could be utilized for flanker screens because of their speed and explosiveness. Also look for tight ends Rory Nicol and Jake Ballard in terms of play-action and goalline situations.

On the opposite side of the ball in the secondary for the Nittany Lions, it features an experienced but susceptible secondary. Each player has good speed and size.

At cornerback, any combination of A.J. Wallace, Tony Davis and Lydell Sargeant defend the perimeter (all have a wealth of experience). At safety, Anthony Scirrotto patrols one half of the field and Mark Rubin the other. In nickel packages, Rubin plays nickel corner and Drew Astorino steps in at safety.

On a side note, Rubin and Scirrotto both are recovering from a concussion but should be ready to play in the secondary on Saturday night.

(Rubin was featured on College GameDay earlier this season because his claim to fame was he beat olympian Michael Phelps in a swimming match prior to playing football at Penn State.)

In summary, the victor in this battle of units will depend on the extent to which Ohio State wishes to rely on the passing game. The Buckeye receivers are more than capable of running good routes and catching the football. Also capable is the Nittany Lion secondary, which bleeds experience.

Expect Penn State to blitz a lot on defense, which will force its secondary to play primarily man coverage against Ohio State’s receivers. Success for Ohio State hinges on Pryor’s ability to manage the pressure and make smart throws down the field.

If for some reason Penn State chooses not to constantly bring pressure, look for Ohio State’s receivers and tight ends to make contributions to the running game by blocking downfield for Pryor and Wells.

And who knows, maybe they will contribute and even run the ball themselves.

Regardless, expect a great game from both teams that is surrounded by a tremendous atmosphere in Ohio Stadium on Saturday night.