Penn State Football Ready For Upset Win Behind Enemy Lines
It’s almost here. The center of the college football universe will descend on Columbus this weekend for Saturday’s epic showdown between No. 7 Penn State and No. 3 Ohio State. With all the makings of an instant classic, this game is undoubtedly the Nittany Lions’ biggest test of the season so far. Although underdogs, there’s a belief among many in Happy Valley that this could finally be the matchup where James Franklin gets his signature win on the road versus a top-10 team. While the Penn State football program preaches a “1-0” mentality, there’s unquestionably a little bit of extra juice for this matchup.
Penn State players ready to get a massive win on the road
On the surface, it seems like Ohio State should have all the momentum heading into Saturday. The Buckeyes have dominated the series over the Nittany Lions in the James Franklin era. Ohio State comes into the game as the higher-ranked team. Ryan Day’s squad has been tested, winning in dramatic fashion on the road vs then-No. 9 Notre Dame.
But none of that is deterring a determined Penn State football team. In our exclusive interview, DT Zane Durant discussed how he’s welcoming the opportunity to go get a big win in the Horseshoe.
“I’m looking forward to playing them [Ohio State],” Durant said of the road venue he most wants to play in this season. “I’ve never been there. They [his teammates] always talks about how the environment is there, and how hostile it is. I want to go into their territory and beat them this year.”
And hostile territory it will be. Slated for FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff, Ohio State is encouraging its crowd to wear red and bring a ruckus energy to the annual “Scarlet the Shoe” game.
A blast from the Big Ten past
Even in a matchup where both teams play a spread offense, Saturday’s game may ultimately look more like something you would have seen from Joe Paterno or Woody Hayes.
Both teams come into this contest with defenses ranked near the top of the nation in most major statistical categories. Penn State leads the nation in total defense and ranks second in scoring defense, only allowing 194 yards and eight points a game. Ohio State finds itself ranked third nationally in those same areas.
Ultimately, victory may rest with whichever team can make a big play in the passing game. Although leading the Big Ten in passing, the Buckeyes’ offense has struggled with consistency all season. Pennsylvania natives Kyle McCord and Marvin Harrison Jr. will now face the top passing defense in America.
On the flip side, we have yet to see Ohio native Drew Allar really air the ball out this year. Ohio State DC Jim Knowles has stated his plan to take away short to intermediate throws and pressure the Penn State QB. A dagger or two from the former five-star could help the Nittany Lions find the win that has eluded them for so long.
While Saturday’s game may not ultimately define the season for Penn State, it certainly is an opportunity to define an era for James Franklin. Exit Columbus victorious, and the Nittany Lions will find themselves in a spot unlike anything seen in Happy Valley for almost two decades.
But for now, the focus is completely on Ohio State, Ohio State, Ohio State.
