The Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Penn State for a Big Ten matchup of two teams on opposite ends of the East standings.
The Buckeyes have been rolling since their early season upset, having scored 50+ points in four straight games since.
Records:
Ohio State: 5-1 (2-0 Big Ten)
Penn State: 4-2 (1-2 Big Ten)
Last Meeting: Ohio State won 63-14 in 2013
Key Stat: Ohio State has had three different players rush for 100+ yards in a game this season. Running backs Ezekiel Elliot and Curtis Samuel, and quarterback J.T. Barrett.
Ohio State Outlook: J.T. Barrett has continued to dominate for the Buckeyes offense, with some early season struggles now long forgotten.
Barrett has accounted for nearly 2,000 total yards and 24 touchdowns this year. Meanwhile Ezekiel Elliot has posted 531 rushing yards and four scores to lead the ground game.
Penn State Outlook: After a close loss to Michigan, Penn State is off to a 1-2 conference start.
Their defense has been one of the best in the nation in terms of points allowed (15.2 per game), but the running game (93.2 yards per game) and overall offense (21.2 points per game) has struggled for most of the season.
What to watch for: Can anyone slow down J.T. Barrett right now? The Buckeyes offense has been running on all cylinders over the last month, and no defensive scheme has been able to figure him out.
Penn State has a good defense, but will it be enough to keep the duel-threat quarterback in check? If not, things could get ugly for the Lions.
What they're saying - Buckeyes:
Buckeyes looking to keep pressure on Lions Hackenberg (Akron Beacon Journal)
Meyer on Barrett: 'He's saved our bacon a few times (Scarlett and Game)
What they're saying - Nittany Lions:
A look at key position matchups for PSU-Ohio State (The Patriot News)
Improved field position key vs. Ohio State and beyond (The Patriot News)
Prediction:
Ohio State - 35, Penn State -13
The Buckeyes should have the firepower to get past a defense that has been solid against lesser competition this year.
Penn State won't have the chance to keep up in this game if Ohio State puts points on the board early.
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