Penn State vs. Ohio State: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Buckeyes Must Make

Here we go. A huge Senior Day game for the Buckeyes in Columbus today culminates with star receiver DeVier Posey's big return to the field 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 Leaders Division before a decisive showdown next week with second-place Wisconsin.

The Buckeyes can do some damage to Penn State's chances, by sending them to a second Big Ten loss and dropping them into a tie with the Badgers. They also look to position themselves for a shot at a better bowl game by winning out.

If Ohio State wants to get a big home win and gain some momentum heading into next week's showdown with Michigan, here are five halftime adjustments they must make:

1. Get to McGloin

Matt McGloin has been anointed the starter for the duration of today's game. And while he's showed some flashes of brilliance in this first half, he's still a liability for the Nittany Lions. 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 today, 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 defensive line needs to make sure to get pass rushers in the backfield so the young QB gets rattled.

2. Let Braxton Run Wild

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 the 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 linebacker corps will try to have a guy spying on him. That doesn't mean they can stop him. Miller has been the most frustrating player for the PSU defense to cover today, and that's not going to change. Let the guy take control and scamper into the end zone.

3. Stuff Redd and Green

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

And if I'm the Ohio State coaching staff, I'm focusing solely on stuffing those two backs at the line and making McGloin beat me with his arm. At the very least, the D needs to recognize that Penn State will be running the ball, and running it often. Plan on it—and find a way to stop it.

4. Utilize Posey

The Buckeyes have a secret weapon today. It comes in the form of wide receiver DeVier Posey. He was out or suspended for the team's first ten 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. He's definitely a spark plug that the offense has been lacking. Miller and the OSU coaching staff need to try and get the ball to him. There's a reason he's drawing double coverage.

5. Neutralize Still

There's one really big, really strong roadblock in OSU's way to the end zone today. His name is Devon Still, and he's one of the best defensive lineman in the nation. He can get to the QB like nobody's business, and is a ferocious run-stuffer at the line. 

To neutralize that threat and find a way around it, the Buckeyes need to focus on a couple things. First of all, a double team might be necessary on certain downs. Stick a tight end on the line and see if he can team up with the tackle to keep Still out. Otherwise, the Buckeyes will have to resort to just running away from him.