Penn State vs. Ohio State: Why Buckeyes Won't Upset Reeling Nittany Lions

In a state of disarray, the Penn State Nittany Lions could use a win now more than ever with Ohio State rolling into town. The Lions are in the middle of one of the largest scandals in college football and sports history, and they are also coming off of only their second loss to the season, which they suffered at home at the hands of the No. 19 Nebraska Cornhuskers, who won 17-14.

The Lions were bound to suffer a loss by the way they were playing. They had beaten Illinois by three points the week before, Purdue by five, Iowa by 10, Indiana by six and Temple by only four. To say the least, a loss was on the horizon, and it was only surprising that they lost by three points to a great Nebraska team while also being at the center of controversy and losing their coach in Joe Paterno.

This week, they'll be taking on the 6-4 Ohio State Buckeyes, who are in the midst of one of their worst seasons during the Jim Tressel era. They've suffered losses to Miami, Michigan State and Nebraska, with their latest defeat coming at the hands of the Purdue Boilermakers by three points in an overtime game. The Buckeyes had quality wins against Illinois and Wisconsin, but they haven't done much aside from those two matchups.

Both teams are struggling and looking for an identity, but the Lions are sure to come out on top this Saturday just by judging both teams on their production on both sides of the ball. The Lions possess one of the NCAA's top defenses, and they have only surrendered 12 points a game. And they're preparing themselves to take on a Buckeyes team that currently ranks 118th out of 120 teams in passing yards per game.

The Buckeyes do get their points, however, as they rank 27th in rush yards per game and 74th in points for. While Penn State only ranks 102nd in points for, they should still be able to triumph over the Buckeyes if their defense focuses strictly on the Buckeyes running game. Ohio State has no passing game on offense whatsoever, and the Nittany Lions need to take advantage of that by focusing on the rush.

Also, the Lions are looking for a win for Paterno, and this could be the last opponent of the season that they have a chance at winning considering that they have No. 17 Wisconsin to end the season. Emotions will run high in this rivalry, but the Lions should persevere thanks to the emotional support of their former coach and if they can focus on the Buckeyes rushing attack.