Penn State vs. Ohio State: 5 Halftime Adjustments Nittany Lions Must Make

Here we go. A huge Senior Day game for the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus culminates with star receiver DeVier Posey's big return after suspensions cost him the first 10 games of the season. 

Penn State comes in for their second game after the scandal heard 'round the world and look to hang on to a one-game cushion in the Big-10 Leaders Division before a decisive showdown next week with the second-place Wisconsin Badgers.

The Buckeyes can do some damage to Penn State's chances, however, by sending them to a second Big Ten loss and dropping them into a tie with the Badgers.

Luke Fickell and Co. also look to position themselves for a shot at a better bowl game by winning out.

If the Nittany Lions want to get a big road win and gain some momentum heading into next week's showdown, here are five halftime adjustments they must make.

1. Protect McGloin

Quarterback Matt McGloin has been anointed the starter for the duration of the game, and while he's showed some flashes of brilliance in this first half, he's still a liability.

For each laser pass he throws on target, he throws a duck into a danger zone either over or behind the receiver on the next play.

When McGloin has had time to throw in the game, he's looked just fine. But as soon as the pocket has started to deteriorate around him, he starts to panic and makes bad decisions.

The offensive line needs to make sure to keep pass-rushers out of the backfield so the young QB can make confident decisions.

2. Spy on Braxton

Ohio State QB Braxton Miller has already made his presence felt, running for a touchdown in the second quarter.

He's very dangerous with his legs, and makes their Wildcat offense a lot more dynamic. Though he has shown capability to beat teams with his arm, it's going to really come down to what he does with his legs.

To counteract this, the Penn State linebacking corps really needs to keep a spy on him; when he's in the backfield, someone needs to be assigned to keep an eye on him.

That way, if Miller starts to scramble, someone will have a shot at him before he gets to the open field.

3. Unleash the Redd and Green

Stephon Green exploded in the first half and Silas Redd wasn't far behind. These guys are making huge plays and Ohio State hasn't shown any indication that they can stop the Nittany Lions run.

If I'm the Penn State coaching staff at halftime, I'm gearing that game plan to be run, run, run, until it's stopped.

McGloin is throwing the ball well enough to justify passing a decent amount, but the run game is what's making the engine go. Keep handing the ball off to Redd and Green until the Buckeyes are forced to stack the box.

Then you can run play-action passes and take a couple shots downfield to bust the game open.

4. Neutralize Posey

The Buckeyes have a secret weapon in the game—it comes in the form of wide receiver DeVier Posey. He was out or suspended for the team's first 10 games and has a ton of energy built up to finally play in front of the home crowd.

Posey has already played a big role in the OSU offense, making a couple big catches to keep drives alive.

If the Buckeyes are going to score through the air, it's likely going to be in Posey's direction. Also, due to the fact Penn State does not have recent game tape of him, they need to stick to Posey like glue.

5. Steal the Momentum

Penn State has done a great job in the first half of neutralizing big play guys on the Ohio State offense and putting up points on some big plays.

These things contribute to something they absolutely must do to win on the road in such a hostile environment: keeping the momentum.

There's no doubt in my mind that Miller, Posey and the rest of the Buckeye's key players will mount some type of rally in the second half.

PSU is going to have to be ready to protect and nurture that momentum. The Horseshoe is the last place you want to fall behind.