2011 Penn State Nittany Lions Game Preview
Preface
As we look forward to this Saturday's football game, it's important to note that this will be the final home game for many Buckeyes who have put forth their best efforts in the 'Shoe. The group that arrived in 2008 has a 39-10 record (.796), with (probably) 3 games remaining; the most wins by a tOSU senior class is 44 (set in 2006-09, and tied in 2007-10, before wins were vacated).
This class enters their final home game with three Big Ten titles, three wins over TSUN, and three BCS bowl appearances (including a Rose Bowl win) to its credit. Twenty-four Ohio State seniors will be in Ohio Stadium one last time as Buckeyes Saturday. The traditional senior salute will include each of these players making a solo entrance onto the field to be greeted by parents and/or family members:
Mike Adams
Dionte Allen
Dan Bain
Joe Bauserman
Evan Blankenship
Mike Brewster
Bo DeLande
Garrett Dornbrook
Nate Ebner
Derek Erwin
Donnie Evege
Dan Herron
Tony Jackson
Don Matheney
Chris Maxwell
Tyler Moeller
Nate Oliver
DeVier Posey
Chris Roark
Donald Senegal
J.B. Shugarts
Spencer Smith
Andrew Sweat
Solomon Thomas
This year's senior class has only nine seniors who have started games for the Buckeyes. Mike Brewster leads the way with 46 consecutive starts and, unless the Buckeyes win out and get help to make the B1G Conference Championship Game, Brewster will fall one-start short of tying Luke Fickell's school record of 50 consecutive starts.
Note: a tenth senior starter - 13-game starter at DE Nathan Williams - had season ending knee surgery after having played in just one game this season. He will not take part in Senior Day this year.
Games Started for each Senior
46 - OC Mike Brewster
32 - OT J.B. Shugarts
25 - WR DeVier Posey
22 - OT Mike Adams
21 - RB Boom Herron
18 - LB Andrew Sweat
11 - DB Tyler Moeller
03 - QB Joe Bauserman
03 - DE Solomon Thomas
Three young men who have been an integral part of the Ohio State football program for a number of years and who have logged literally hundreds of hours at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center will also be recognized at the game Saturday: head manager and fifth-year member of the staff Tim Weirich, from Massillon, Ohio; fourth-year manager Robbie Maylor, from Canton, Ohio; and fourth-year manager John Streicher, from Cincinnati.
Pick-Sixes and Frosh QBs
Seven times since 2002 Ohio State players have intercepted a pass against Penn State and returned it for a touchdown. The Buckeyes have won all five of those games that the pick-sixes occurred.
2010 - Devon Torrence and Travis Howard had fourth quarter returns for scores to clinch Ohio State's comeback, 38-14 victory.
2007 - Malcolm Jenkins extended a 27-10 Ohio State lead with his fourth-quarter interception re turn as the Buckeyes prevailed, 37-17.
2006 - Jenkins and Antonio Smith returned two interceptions a total of 116 yards for fourth quarter touchdowns in Ohio State's 28-6 win.
2004 - Tyler Everett had a first-quarter pick-six in the Buckeyes' 21-10 victory.
2002 - Trailing 7-3 in the second half, Chris Gamble's touchdown return was the game-deciding play in Ohio State's 13-7 win.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8pzCX-CjQI"]Pick Six University - YouTube[/ame]
Ohio State has won 9 of the 15 games played in Columbus. Penn State won the first four games played in the series - all in Columbus - in 1912, 1956, 1963 and 1964, respectively, but has only two wins in the last 11 games in Columbus (19-0 in 1978 and 13-6 in 2008). Ohio State has started a freshman quarterback in Penn State's only two wins in Ohio Stadium in its last 11 tries. In 1978, Art Schlichter started in the first game of his freshman campaign; and in 2008, freshman Terrelle Pryor was making only the fifth start of his career. Freshman Braxton Miller will make his eighth start on Saturday.
Later in this preview, we'll look specifically at this year's offense, defense and special teams for both tOSU and Penn State. The preview also has a totally separate section that covers the opponent's coaching staff, recruiting, traditions, and history. It also contains the Behind the Numbers and The Lighter Side sections, and can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
Date and TimeThis class enters their final home game with three Big Ten titles, three wins over TSUN, and three BCS bowl appearances (including a Rose Bowl win) to its credit. Twenty-four Ohio State seniors will be in Ohio Stadium one last time as Buckeyes Saturday. The traditional senior salute will include each of these players making a solo entrance onto the field to be greeted by parents and/or family members:
Mike Adams
Dionte Allen
Dan Bain
Joe Bauserman
Evan Blankenship
Mike Brewster
Bo DeLande
Garrett Dornbrook
Nate Ebner
Derek Erwin
Donnie Evege
Dan Herron
Tony Jackson
Don Matheney
Chris Maxwell
Tyler Moeller
Nate Oliver
DeVier Posey
Chris Roark
Donald Senegal
J.B. Shugarts
Spencer Smith
Andrew Sweat
Solomon Thomas
This year's senior class has only nine seniors who have started games for the Buckeyes. Mike Brewster leads the way with 46 consecutive starts and, unless the Buckeyes win out and get help to make the B1G Conference Championship Game, Brewster will fall one-start short of tying Luke Fickell's school record of 50 consecutive starts.
Note: a tenth senior starter - 13-game starter at DE Nathan Williams - had season ending knee surgery after having played in just one game this season. He will not take part in Senior Day this year.
Games Started for each Senior
46 - OC Mike Brewster
32 - OT J.B. Shugarts
25 - WR DeVier Posey
22 - OT Mike Adams
21 - RB Boom Herron
18 - LB Andrew Sweat
11 - DB Tyler Moeller
03 - QB Joe Bauserman
03 - DE Solomon Thomas
Three young men who have been an integral part of the Ohio State football program for a number of years and who have logged literally hundreds of hours at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center will also be recognized at the game Saturday: head manager and fifth-year member of the staff Tim Weirich, from Massillon, Ohio; fourth-year manager Robbie Maylor, from Canton, Ohio; and fourth-year manager John Streicher, from Cincinnati.
Pick-Sixes and Frosh QBs
Seven times since 2002 Ohio State players have intercepted a pass against Penn State and returned it for a touchdown. The Buckeyes have won all five of those games that the pick-sixes occurred.
2010 - Devon Torrence and Travis Howard had fourth quarter returns for scores to clinch Ohio State's comeback, 38-14 victory.
2007 - Malcolm Jenkins extended a 27-10 Ohio State lead with his fourth-quarter interception re turn as the Buckeyes prevailed, 37-17.
2006 - Jenkins and Antonio Smith returned two interceptions a total of 116 yards for fourth quarter touchdowns in Ohio State's 28-6 win.
2004 - Tyler Everett had a first-quarter pick-six in the Buckeyes' 21-10 victory.
2002 - Trailing 7-3 in the second half, Chris Gamble's touchdown return was the game-deciding play in Ohio State's 13-7 win.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8pzCX-CjQI"]Pick Six University - YouTube[/ame]
Ohio State has won 9 of the 15 games played in Columbus. Penn State won the first four games played in the series - all in Columbus - in 1912, 1956, 1963 and 1964, respectively, but has only two wins in the last 11 games in Columbus (19-0 in 1978 and 13-6 in 2008). Ohio State has started a freshman quarterback in Penn State's only two wins in Ohio Stadium in its last 11 tries. In 1978, Art Schlichter started in the first game of his freshman campaign; and in 2008, freshman Terrelle Pryor was making only the fifth start of his career. Freshman Braxton Miller will make his eighth start on Saturday.
Later in this preview, we'll look specifically at this year's offense, defense and special teams for both tOSU and Penn State. The preview also has a totally separate section that covers the opponent's coaching staff, recruiting, traditions, and history. It also contains the Behind the Numbers and The Lighter Side sections, and can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
Date: Saturday, November 19th, 2011
Time: 3:30 ET Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: Senior Day, the Tunnel of Pride
Time: 3:30 ET Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: Senior Day, the Tunnel of Pride
Broadcast Information: TV Broadcast: ABC/ESPN mirror: Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analysis), and Holly Rowe (sideline)
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS FM 97.1 The Fan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline); also on Sirius Radio 85 and XM channel 85.
2011 Penn State Nittany Lions Offensive Preview
2011 Penn State Nittany Lions Offensive Preview
There are many issues that have come to light over the past 2 weeks or so that have rocked the Penn State team and community to the core. Nothing should minimize or deflect attention away from the life and death matters that have engulfed a series of victims and have resulted in the termination of several high ranking officials, including head coach Joe Paterno. However, those issues are discussed extensively elsewhere, so the focus here will be on the football game on Saturday, a trivial thing in the grand scheme but a temporary welcome diversion from thinking about the misery perpetrated on the victims of the sex abuse scandal. For their part the current players on the football team at Penn State did nothing to bring about any of what has happened, but they find themselves in a situation where they have lost their head coach and at least one assistant and in an awkward predicament of representing a uniform and a university with pride, despite its being publicly sullied in the past 2 weeks unlike anything most have ever seen. In the meantime they are still battling for a spot in the first ever B1G championship game...to win a trophy that bore the name of their head coach just a short week ago. So much has changed and yet they are still 5-1 with a full game lead on Wisconsin in the divisional race. The matchup with the Buckeyes has lost some of its luster since both teams lost last week, as it could have been an elimination game in the conference race, but instead will not affect either team in the division standings, with the Buckeyes all but mathematically out of the race and the Lions needing to beat Wisconsin next week regardless, unless the Badgers fall to Illinois Saturday. This edition of a game between these two short term but bitter rivals will likely be mostly for a matter of pride...a term that means so many different things to so many different people, and a term that has perhaps never been as ambiguous as it is right now as the news of the past 2 weeks has unfolded.
Offensively, for much of the year, Penn State has been poor. They rank just 88th in total offense (358.5 YPG) despite having a top flight WR, a talented tailback, and a senior-laden line. The running game hasn't been terrible, putting up 162.8 yards a game, ranking 58th. The passing game, however, has been poor all season due to shaky QB play and a revolving door at the position for much of the season, as the Lions rank T89 at just 205.2 YPG. With 7 INTs and 12 sacks, they are about average. At 21.0 points per game they qualify as one of the worst scoring teams in the country, ranking T102. They have been poor moving the chains overall (196 first downs, T72) and are terrible moving the chains on 3rd down, ranking T94 at 34.5%. Most of these categories look familiar to Ohio State fans, as they have seen their own team rank somewhere in the same vicinity on the way to a struggling season behind a freshman QB and the suspensions of some key skill players. Whatever momentum the teams had built was squashed last week for both, so whichever team is able to execute even an adequate offensive gameplan this week and prevent turning the football over will be in prime position for the victory.
Quarterbacks
QB #11 Matt McGloin (6-1, 211, JR, West Scranton HS, Scranton, PA)
The Penn State QB situation has been a mess all season, though ironically with Bradley taking over, he seems to have done something Joe wouldn't, which is to pick a starter and stick with him. Joe (well, commentators on TV at least attributed it to him) often cited the Daryll Clark/Pat Devlin situation from a few years ago as justification for playing both McGloin and sophomore Rob Bolden (#1) at different stages of each game, though that seems to ring a bit hollow in the grand scheme, other than the fact that Devlin transferred to Delaware. Neither McGloin nor Bolden bring a particularly unique skill set to the table, as both are dropback passers who don't run a lick and don't really create all that much downfield on the run either. Both have also struggled with accuracy, as McGloin comes in at 54.1% and Bolden at just 43.1% on the season. Both have made basic, simple throws look difficult at times, but both have also put together a few drives at times as well. At the end of last season, McGloin had been the starter for the second half of the schedule and Bolden wanted to transfer. Then came the catastrophe at the Outback Bowl where McGloin threw 5 INTs and Paterno denying Bolden's transfer request, which put both in the mix this year. Bolden started the first 7 games this season, but McGloin has played a more prominent role in virtually every contest and he is now seemingly the permanent starter, which could put the Lions right back where they started at the end of this season as well. Not surprisingly, McGloin's best games in 2011 have come against teams with weaker defenses. He has cracked 200 yards passing just twice, against Eastern Michigan (14/17, 220, 3 TDs) and Indiana (10/22, 204, TD). He also played well against Northwestern (17/26, 192, 2 TDs). He has also had some serious clunkers though, going 1/10 against Alabama, 9/24 for 98 yards and an INT against Illinois, and 8/17 for 145 and an INT against Purdue. He has completed less than 50% of his passes 5 times, and has thrown an INT in 3 of the past 5 games, though those are his only 3 for the season. He seems to be a rhythm passer, where if he can get some short throws going and gain some confidence, he can really get on a roll. However in games where that doesn't happen, he seems to be somewhat lost. He can't run at all, so that also hinders his value when he is struggling throwing the football. He completed 50% of his throws for 159 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs against Ohio State last year, and though the Buckeye defense isn't as feared as it once was, it would be surprising to see him do much better than that in 2011.
The backup is of course Bolden, who has been by and large a disaster in 2011. He has attempted more than 15 throws just twice, going 11/29 for 144 yards and an INT against Alabama and 9/17 for 92 yards and an INT against Temple. He has completed over 50% of his throws in just 2 games, against Temple (52.9%) and Eastern Michigan (53.8%), and has thrown just 1 TD pass to 4 INTs. He has been completely nonexistent in the second half of the year, going 3/7 against Iowa, 2/6 against Temple, 0/4 against Illinois and disappearing completely last week in the wake of the coaching change. Bolden can't really run with the ball either, so he doesn't bring any extra or added dynamic when he is in the game either (unlike past PSU QBs like Clark and Michael Robinson). It would be borderline shocking to see Bolden play as any sort of rotation on Saturday, as it appears he will only play again if McGloin struggles, which however is still a distinct possibility. So it is possible we will see Bolden, but unlikely on a predetermined schedule.
QB Rating: D-
Head-to-Head: Penn State QB versus OSU QB
McGloin: 106/196 (54.1%), 1386 yards, 7 TDs, 3 INTs, 122.2 rating; 22/-15, 0 TDs
Miller: 46/92 (50.0%), 679 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs, 134.2 rating; 110/490, 5 TDs
We pride ourselves in our objectivity in these previews, but it is really, really difficult to say anything positive about the QB situation for the Lions. Bolden has been completely ineffective after the season's first month, and McGloin has the job basically be default and has struggled considerably as well, especially against better cover defenses. Of course the QB situation at Ohio State hasn't exactly reminded anyone of Air Coryell, and Sid Gillman might well have turned over in his grave watching the Ohio State passing game and its one completion against Illinois. However since Miller has taken over, he has been able to move the offense somewhat effectively and he has made some big plays carrying the football, a threat he brings to each play. Herron's return has helped open things up a bit, but when it comes to the passing game, both of these teams resemble taking bongos to a gun fight. Give Miller the edge for his creativity when plays break down.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
TB #25 Silas Redd (5-10, 209, SO, King Low Heywood Thomas HS, Norwalk, CT)
FB #37 Joe Suhey (6-1, 222, SR, Loyola Academy HS, Deerfield, IL)
Unlike the QB situation, the Lions have plenty of talent at RB and have put together a respectable ground attack. The leader is Redd, who has already eclipsed the 1000 yard barrier after gaining 437 yards last season as the primary backup to Evan Royster. He has cracked the 100 yard barrier 6 times, including an impressive 5 in a row at the start of conference play which just ended last week. He is a tough runner with good speed, and he has been a workhorse this year during conference play, carrying it 28 times or more in 4 out of the last 6 games. His 100 yard efforts were against Indiana State (102), Indiana (129), Iowa (142), Purdue (131), Northwestern (164), and Illinois (137). He has scored 7 TDs and has been very effective in the second half of close games, which has been one of the primary reasons that the Lions have won so many close games in 2011. Without the benefit of a passing game, he has also played against a lot of stacked lines, so his accomplishments are all the more impressive. Despite his speed, he has not been a factor at all as a receiver, which is somewhat surprising.
The Lions are also plenty deep at the position, with 3 players having shared the backup duties. First on the chart is junior Brandon Beechum (#3), a strong runner with a big frame (6-0, 226) who is primarily a between the tackles runner. He was injured for a good portion of the middle of the season, and just made his return 2 games ago. He had 7 carries for 36 yards against a tough Nebraska defense last week, so he appears to be healthy again and will likely see some carries this week. Sophomore Curtis Dukes (#26) took over the primary backup duties in the middle portion of the season. He is a bruiser (6-1, 237) who is built more like a FB and has a straight ahead running style. he had 9 carries for 54 yards against Indiana and 9 for 60 against Iowa, so he has been effective when given opportunities. He may not see as much action this week, as he has not played much the previous 2 weeks and had just 2 carries against Northwestern 3 games ago. Rounding out the chart is senior and one-time potential star Stephfon Green (#21), a burner (5-10, 193) who was buried so far in the doghouse early in the year that he couldn't even find the water dish. He was actually kicked off the team for a brief time and then allowed to return, and he has done everything required of him to return to the rotation, making him a nice redemption story. Despite very limited action this year, he did have 9 carries for 33 yards and a TD against Northwestern and 17 carries for 71 yards and both Lion TDs last week against Nebraska, so he could see the field quite a bit on Saturday. He has made quite a few big plays in his career and is always a threat in the receiving game due to his speed and elusiveness. He brings a dimension to the Lion attack that none of the other backs really have, so in that way he is a very nice complimentary player.
The Lions have always had good FBs, and this year is no exception. Suhey and junior Michale Zordich (#9) are both tough, able blockers that can carry the ball and catch a pass every once in a while as well. It is a position used less and less as football evolves, but these two could likely start for most teams that use one.
RB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Penn State RB versus OSU RB
Redd: 210/1059 yards, 7 TDs, 5.0 YPC; 8 rec/31 yards, 0 TDs, 3.9 YPR
Dukes: 35/212 yards, 1 TD, 6.1 YPC; 2 rec/18 yards, 0 TDs, 9.0 YPR
Beachum: 30/118 yards, 0 TDs, 3.9 YPC; 2 rec/10 yards, 0 TDs, 5.0 YPR
Green: 27/106 yards, 3 TDs, 3.9 YPC; 6 rec/11 yards, 0 TDs, 1.8 YPR
Herron: 88/477 yards, 2 TDs, 5.4 YPC; 2 rec/17 yards, 0 TDs, 8.5 YPR
Hyde: 97/525 yards, 6 TDs, 5.4 YPC; 9 rec/65 yards, 0 TDs, 7.2 YPR
Hall: 94/376 yards, 2 TDs, 4.0 YPC; 5 rec/70 yards, 3 TDs, 14.2 YPR
Both teams have a nice premier back in Redd and Herron. Herron has been very effective since coming back from suspension, amassing almost 500 yards on the ground already. Depth is good for both teams, as players such as Beechum, Hyde, Hall, and Green are proven on the field and bring something to the table. Both teams will likely rely heavily on the run on Saturday, so both defenses will be keyed on the ground attack. Whichever team can loosen things up passing the ball and calls the more effective running plays will likely be in a good position to move the ball. The FBs for both teams are excellent.
Edge: Even
Wide Receivers
WR #6 Derek Moye (6-5, 210, SR, Rochester HS, Rochester, PA)
WR #19 Justin Brown (6-3, 214, JR, Concord HS, Wilmington, DE)
WR #20 Devon Smith (5-7, 155, JR, Westlake HS, White Plains, MD)
The Lions don't quite have the same talent level as the Williams/Butler/Norwood trio from a few years back, but they actually do have some good talent here. Moye has been the primary target for the past 3 seasons, with lines of 48 receptions for 785 yards and 6 TDs in 2009 and 53 for 885 and 8 TDs last season. This year he has struggled with injuries, but he still leads the team in receptions (34), yards (592) and TDs (3) despite missing multiple games. He has cracked the 100 yard receiving mark twice, with 7 for 112 against Temple and 6 for 158 and a TD against Indiana. His other 2 TD catches came against Eastern Michigan. After missing 2 games, he has caught 6 passes for 107 yards total over the past 2 weeks, so he will likely be a factor on Saturday, though how close he is to 100% is anyone's guess. He has a big frame and good hands, so he is a matchup problem all over the field and on both short and long passes. He is a legitimate weapon both downfield and in the red zone, and if he were playing on a better passing team he might have some eye-popping numbers. Brown is similarly a big target with good hands who seems to excel in the medium routes. He has caught at least 3 passes in the previous 9 games, which is impressive consistency given the turmoil at the QB position. He has just one TD reception, against Northwestern, but he is good at picking up first downs and at catching 12-20 yard passes. He runs good routes, so coverage on him will have to be precise. Smith is a jitterbug who seems to be able to break one at any time. He is difficult to pick up in coverage due to his stature, and in the open field he is difficult to track down. His highlights include 3 receptions for 104 yards and a score against Eastern Michigan and 6 for 110 and a score against a Northwestern defense that had no answer for him. He makes some big plays and catches a few passes that don't go very far, so it is always interesting every time he catches the ball. He has good awareness of the field and is always a downfield threat.
The Lions have a relatively deep chart at WR, with a series of players receiving limited field time. Sophomores Brandon Moseby-Felder (#85) and Shawney Kersey (#81) have both had their moments, though both have played sparingly. Freshmen Allen Robinson (#8) and Bill Belton (#5) have gotten their feet wet, and sophomores Curtis Drake (#7) and Christian Kunz (#17) round out the chart.
WR Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Penn State WRs versus OSU WRs
Moye: 34 catches, 592 yards, 3 TDs, 17.4 YPR
Brown: 32 catches, 423 yards, 1 TD, 13.2 YPR
Smith: 21 catches, 333 yards, 2 TDs, 15.9 YPR
Smith: 11 catches, 241 yards, 4 TDs, 21.9 YPR
Brown: 11 catches, 119 yards, 0 TDs, 10.8 YPR
Fields: 7 catches, 101 yards, 0 TDs, 14.4 YPR
The Lions have a trio of players in at least their second year of making consistent contributions to the passing game, as all 3 caught at least 27 passes last season. The numbers are more moderate this season since the passing game has struggled as a whole, but all 3 have caught at least 20 passes and have shown the ability to make an important play. The Buckeyes are breaking in new players this season, so they will hopefully be further along next year like the Lions are this year. However that process is still ongoing, and the Buckeye passing game has struggled mightily because of it as well. With Posey back this week, it is unclear how or how much that will improve the passing game, or how much he will even play. He certainly brings a credible and experienced threat that the Buckeyes have been lacking, but he also hasn't played all season and he doesn't have much time to get game ready. Herron came back and made an immediate impact...if Posey can do the same, it could be a badly needed boost for a struggling offense heading into the Michigan game.
Edge: Penn State
Tight Ends
TE #80 Andrew Szczerba (6-6, 266, SR, Salesianum HS, Wilmington, DE)
The Lions have often used the TE as a featured player in the offense, and gone to the NFL are recent Lion TEs Mickey Shuler and Andrew Quarless. Others such as Kyle Brady and Troy Drayton also had NFL careers. This year, Szczerba isn't as flashy or hyped as some of those former players, but he does a solid job blocking and can catch a pass every once in a while. He isn't a huge threat in the passing game, but he has caught at least one pass in 8 games and can pick up an important first down if called upon. He is built like an offensive lineman (and in fact is almost as big as some of Indiana's linemen) so his blocking is clearly his strength. Sophomore backup Kevin Haplea (#10; 6-4, 251) is much in the same mold and can block in double TE sets.
TE Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Penn State TE versus OSU TE
Szczerba: 11 catches, 89 yards, 0 TDs, 8.1 YPR
Haplea: 2 catches, 9 yards, 1 TD, 4.5 YPR
Stoneburner: 12 catches, 150 yards, 6 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Fragel: 4 catches, 44 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Given the start that Stoneburner had, it's hard to believe he has just 12 receptions for 150 yards at this point in the season. He is a capable blocker and is clearly the best receiving TE of this group, but unfortunately the Buckeye offense has gone away from the TE as it has in so many years past. If Miller could find Stoneburner with a few throws, it could open up the running game a bit also. It is somewhat of a sad state of commentary when a painfully underutilized TE is the best receiver on the team, but that is the situation the Buckeyes are basically in.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
LT #67 Quinn Barham (6-3, 304, SR, Hillside HS, Durham, NC)
LG #74 Johnnie Troutman (6-4, 314, SR, Pemberton Township HS, Brown Mills, NJ)
C #54 Matt Stankiewitch (6-3, 299, JR, Blue Mountain HS, Orwigsburg, PA)
RG #50 DeOn'tae Pannell (6-5, 310, SR, Groves HS, Southfield, MI)
RT #52 Chima Okoli (6-4, 293, SR, Salem HS, Virginia Beach, VA)
While the Lion offense has been relatively poor overall, especially in the passing game, one of the keys to the success of this season in the win column, and perhaps the most important key, has been a senior-laden line that has been completely in tact all season, with the same 5 players starting all 10 games. This has allowed the Lions to stay in games (limiting turnovers, sacks) and win them late with crucial drives and important plays down the stretch, especially in games against Temple, Illinois, and Purdue. It is also in sharp contrast to the previous couple of seasons, where combination after combination was used to try and spark the offense, not allowing for time to gel as a unit. Troutman paces the group with 29 career starts over the previous 3 seasons. All of his starts have been at LG and he probably the best player of the group. Barham has 23 starts, which include every game over the past 2 seasons. He also played other spots as a reserve in 2009, so he is versatile and intelligent and understands the line as a whole. On the right side, Pannell has 19 starts over the past 3 seasons. He has good agility for a man his size and has played quite a bit of guard and tackle in his career, so he is versatile and has good football intelligence. Okoli is a tad undersized for this line but he started 8 games last season and has solidified the RT position. He is a former DT who took over last season after the injury to Eliades and has played every since. Stankiewitch started a couple of games at guard in 2009 before being limited by illness last season. He is a highly intelligent player and potential Academic All-American who has adapted very well to the role in the middle after the departure of Wisniewski. This is somewhat of a "no-name" offensive line, in that they don't have a lot of hype, they haven't been anchored on all-B1G lists in the past, and many have moved around the line earlier in their careers. However as a unit they have been very good at run blocking and have been pretty good in the passing game as well.
The depth chart features a number of juniors and sophomores. Junior T Mike Farrell (#78) is the only player with a career start and is the primary backup at both tackle spots. Along the interior, sophomores Mark Arcidiacondo (#73), Ty Howle (#60) and John Urschel (#64) are learning the offense and waiting in the wings.
OL Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Penn State OL versus OSU OL
The Buckeyes seem to have more talent here overall, but the Lions lead in continuity and play as a unit. Both teams have solid running games and have struggled with the passing game. The Lions are also frequently one of the least penalized lines if football, which points towards good coaching and discipline. It is unlikely that any of the Lions will make first team All-B1G, but the line has been an important factor in winning a lot of close games. Both lines will be critical this weekend, and it would not be surprising to see both play well.
Edge: Even
Overall Offensive Analysis
There isn't much that will surprise anyone about Penn State's 2011 offense. Nick Saban said before the Alabama/Penn State game that the Lions do very basic things but are coached to do them well, and that is really what the 2011 offense represents, at least in theory. The veteran line is reasonably good at run blocking, and Silas Redd has been a very, very good back for the Lions this season so far. Moye is a playmaker and matchup problem downfield, and the Lions have enough size and speed overall to compete with most teams in the receiving/TE corps. Where they have been bad is at QB, with a coaching staff that refused to go with one of them and 2 players who never seemed to gel with each other and don't especially compliment each others' talents. Basically they have run 2 guys out there that do most of the same things, and neither has done them especially well. Some Penn State games (Illinois) have been painful to watch, but unlike some previous seasons, the Lions found ways to win close games. Of course that was before. All that is left now is a team trying to piece together then end of a season that will be talked about amongst the masses for decades, and for all the wrong reasons. Certainly, a couple of scenarios are possible. The Lions could wilt on the road, where they are likely to face intensely hostile crowds and deal with some invective that the players themselves have nothing to do with. Or they could circle the wagons and embrace the us against the world mentality, and actually play better on the road away from the press and distractions in State College and focusing more completely on the football game. The OCs remain in tact and the players seem to respond to Bradley. If the Lions can run and not turn the football over, they can at least stay in the game, much as they did last week against Nebraska. The Buckeye defense has been uncharacteristically accommodating in recent weeks, so if they can hit a pass or 2 to Moye or get Smith in the open field, they have a chance to make some plays in the passing game. They likely won't need too many points, as both offenses have been struggling. So if they can put together a drive or 2 and keep the Buckeyes on a long field, they have a shot at just their second road win in Columbus in the B1G era. Given what the state of the program will likely be in the near future, it is unclear when realistically they will have another chance to get one.
Overall Offensive Rating: C
2011 Penn State Nittany Lions Defensive Preview
Tom Bradley has been around a long time, compared to anyone not named Joe Paterno, but he's still got it. Now in his 33nd season with Penn State, and starting this season as his 12th year as DC, he has the Nittany Lions playing very good defense. Yes, he was named Interim Head Coach last week, but he's the one responsible for putting together this group and getting them to execute his schemes.
Penn State's defense ranks third nationally in points allowed (12.9 per game), trailing only Alabama and LSU. And the Nittany Lions' defense is eighth in the country in yards allowed per game (287.2).
After forcing only 17 turnovers in 2010, the Nittany Lions have generated 23 takeaways in 10 games this year, and are tied for the B1G lead in that area. They have registered 24 sacks, good for third in the conference, but no individual has more than 4.5.
Although several of these players got a look from the Buckeyes (links to BP recruiting threads are provided where a name is underlined), there are no defensive players on the entire roster from the state of Ohio (there are 4 Ohio natives that play offensive positions).
Defensive Line
LE #90 Sean Stanley (6-1, 246, Jr.)
LT #47 Jordan Hill (6-1, 297, Jr.)
RT #71 Devon Still (6-5, 310, Sr.)
RE #81 Jack Crawford (6-5, 273, So.)
Devon Still is a strong candidate for All-American honors, and was just named as one of 5 finalists (only 2 of which were D-Linemen) for the Bednarik Award, given annually to the nation's top defender. Still has been the leader of this strong unit, and ranks sixth in the country in tackles for loss (16.5) for 75 yards, of which four are sacks for 34 yards. He has one pass breakup and one forced fumble. He has 53 total tackles (25 assisted). He is a run-stopping force that is also able to get penetration and make plays in the backfield. He had a career-high 7 tackles against Alabama.
The other tackle is Jordan Hill. His #47 is an odd number for a DT, but he used to play on the outside. He now holds his own on the inside, and is free to make more plays due to the frequent double-teams on Still. He also had his career best against the Crimson Tide earlier this season, racking up 8 tackles in that contest, and then exceeded that with 10 against Illinois. For the season, he has 8 TFLs, of which 3.5 are sacks. He also has a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two pass break-ups. Paired with Still, the DTs make it tough sledding on interior running plays. Hill also tipped a pass that resulted in a key INT at Northwestern.
Pete Massaro, who had 5 tackles in their game in Columbus last year, was expected to provide an outside pass rush, but has missed the entire 2011 season due to a torn ACL suffered in spring practice. That role is filled by Jack Crawford. He had 7 tackles last month in Evanston, and had the only sack last week on Husker QB Taylor Martinez, but his 4.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks aren't as many big plays as Tom Bradley would like to see.
Eric Latimore (6-6, 277, Sr.) and Kyle Baublitz (6-5, 275, rFr.) provide depth at the LE position. Latimore missed most of 2010 with a wrist injury, but has started 4 games in 2011, tallying 3.5 TFLs and 2 sacks.
Other depth is provided by right end: #86 C.J. Olaniyan (6-3, 249, rFr.), and tackles: #91 DaQuan Jones (6-3, 312, So.), #97 Luke Graham (6-4, 283, rFr.), and #93 James Terry (6-3, 318, Jr.). Out of this group, none have started a game this year, and Terry is the one that will give the starting DTs a breather.
DL Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State DL
These groups are similar to each other, in that they are fairly stout against the run, but don't get enough of a pass rush from the DEs. Still and Hill will plug up the inside while getting into the backfield to cause problems. The lack of an outstanding outside pass rusher (in each case due to injury: Nathan Williams and Pete Massaro), keeps these units from being considered elite.
Edge: Even
Linebackers
OLB #6 Gerald Hodges (6-2, 234, Jr.)
ILB #40 Glenn Carson (6-3, 239, So.)
OLB #34 Nate Stupar (6-1, 234, Sr.)
Mike Mauti started off the year very well (13 tackles in the Bama game), but was injured in their last non-conference game against Eastern Michigan. He was replaced by Stupar, who grabbed a pair of interceptions against Purdue. Nate got 3 TFLs in the Eastern Michigan game, but only has another 1.5 in all of the other contests. He has come on in the last few weeks, with 37 tackles in his last 4 games.
Hodges, a safety earlier in his career, registered 19 tackles when Illinois visited State College. That earned him a second straight B1G Defensive Player of the Week award, since he also received that honor with 14 tackles against Northwestern. Since Mauti has been unavailable, Hodges has usually been the leading tackler, and has totalled 10 TFLs and a team-leading 4.5 sacks. He returned an interception 63 yards in the second half of the Northwestern game to set up an important second half TD.
Carson only has 18 solo tackles in his 10 starts, although he did get 4 last week against Nebraska. Since Penn State will probably play even less nickel defense this week than they usually do, he'll be on the field more. He needs to get better at getting off blocks.
Depth is provided by LBs: #43 Mike Hull (6-0, 220, rFr.), #33 Mike Yancich (6-2, 237, Jr.), #54 Jamie Van Fleet (6-0, 228, Jr.), and #11 Khairi Fortt (6-2, 234, So.). Fortt got 1.5 sacks in the Iowa game. The other 3 haven't seen a lot of action since conference play began, and probably won't get many defensive snaps unless one of the starters gets injured.LB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State LBs
Hodges has filled in for Mauti as somebody making plays from sideline to sideline, and Stupar has come on the last few weeks. Both units have a rare issue with depth this season. But Andrew Sweat has been the only consistently solid performer for the Buckeyes this year, and due to a concussion, he will be replaced by the speedy true freshman Ryan Shazier in this game. The Nittany Lions get the edge here.
Edge: Penn State
Secondary
FS #1 Nick Sukay (6-1, 219, Sr.)
Hero #28 Drew Astorino (5-10, 207, Sr.)
RCB #2 Chaz Powell (6-1, 206, Sr.)
LCB #8 D'Anton Lynn (6-1, 208, Sr.)
Penn State has plenty of size and experience in the secondary. Rarely does a team send out a pair of corners that are both 6'1", and also start 4 seniors in the secondary that are all over 205 pounds.
Nick Sukay has 3 interceptions to lead the team, as he did last year before a torn pectoral muscle caused him to miss the second half of the season. Sukay will also occasionally go for a gigantic hit, and is equally capable of knocking out an opposing receiver and drawing a foolish penalty. #10 Malcolm Willis (5-11, 209, So.) got some experience as his replacement last year, and now provides depth at the free safety spot, along with #23 Ryan Keiser (6-1, 206, rFr).
Expect Drew Astorino, listed at the 'Hero' (Strong Safety) position, to roam the field. He will be making his 38th career start, the most on the team. He will blitz on occasion, and has 5 TFLs. He leads the DBs with 57 tackles.
SS, or 'Hero', depth is provided by: #23 Stephen Obeng-Agyapong (5-10, 202, So.), and #27 Jake Fagnano (6-0, 207, Jr.). Once again, they both haven't seen a lot of playing time since conference play began.
One-time starter #12 Stephon Morris (5-8, 184, Jr.) is the backup at the right corner spot. He started 2 games instead of Lynn this season, and has recorded 11 tackles despite missing the Iowa game with an injury.
Other depth comes from RCB #14 Mike Wallace (5-9, 193, So.), and LCBs #4 Adrian Amos (6-0, 205, Fr) and #5 Derrick Thomas (6-0, 181, So.)., but they'll hardly see the field unless there's an issue with one of the starters.
DB Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus OSU DBs
Last year both secondaries had numerous injury problems. This year, the senior-laden PSU defensive backfield has been relatively injury free, and their experience has allowed them to post the top ranking in passing efficiency defense in the B1G, while sharing the top spot with Sparty with 14 interceptions. The Buckeye secondary is talented, but their youth has caused some issues with blown coverages and poor tackling angles. The experienced backfield for the Nittany Lions gets the nod here.
Edge: Penn State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Penn State has excellent ratings in several defensive categories: yards/play, passing efficiency defense, and turnovers created. Their pass rush is good but not great, and they have only performed at an average level in the red zone, allowing 5.0 points per opponents visit.
The feeling here is that their defensive team rankings have benefited from having not faced Wisconsin yet, and that their season-ending trip to Madison will damage their lofty rankings. Overall, they are probably better than the Buckeyes, but not as good as Sparty. Devon Still is a stud who will make life difficult for the interior of the Buckeye O-Line.
With both offenses struggling to pass the ball, a low scoring, field position battle should be on display Saturday. Turnovers will be huge in such a slugfest.
Overall Defensive Rating: B+
2011 Penn State Nittany Lions Special Teams Preview
The Buckeyes entertain fellow Leaders Division rival Penn State this Saturday in Ohio Stadium. The Nittany Lions go on the road for the first time since the story broke of alleged sexual abuse by former members of the coaching staff. Will Penn State be relieved to be away from the glare of home or will they be tight after the firing of their long-term coach?
Special Teams' Stats (NCAA, GoPSUSports, OhioStateBuckeyes)
Penn State
Punting:
Anthony Fera: 46 for 1936 yards, 42.1 avg, 11 Touchbacks, 14 Fair Catch, 11 inside 20, 1 blocked (33rd Nationally)
Alex Butterworth: 8 for 308 yards, 38.5 avg, 1 Touchback, 1 Fair Catch, 3 inside 20
Team: 54 for 2244 yards, 41.6 avg, 12 Touchbacks, 15 Fair Catch, 1 blocked (91st Nationally)
Kicking:
Lewis Evan: 1-5 FGs, 6-7 PATs
Sam Ficken: 1-2 FGs
Anthony Fera: 12-15 FGs, 15-15 PATs (26th Nationally)
Team: 14-22 FGs, 21-22 PATs
Punt Returns:
Justin Brown: 21 for 150 yards, 7.1 avg, 33 long (39th Nationally)
Drew Astorino: 3 for 16 yards, 5.3 avg, 7 long
Devon Smith: 3 for 11 yards, 3.7 avg, 13 long
Derek Move: 3 for 43 yards, 14.3 avg, 31 long
Team: 32 for 221, 6.9 avg, 33 long (78th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns:
Chaz Powell: 18 for 531 yards, 29.5 avg, 1 TD, 95 long (11th Nationally)
Adrian Amos: 5 for 98 yards, 19.6 avg, 26 long
Devon Smith: 4 for 42 yards, 10.5 avg, 17 long
Bil Belton: 1 for 15 yards
Alex Kenney: 1 for 16 yards
Team: 29 for 702 yards, 24.2 avg, 1 TD, 95 long (19th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
13 for 98 yards, 7.54 avg (62nd Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
36 for 774 yards, 21.5 avg, 10 Touchbacks (67th Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting:
Ben Buchanan: 58 for 2380 yards, 41.03 avg (47th Nationally)
Placekicking:
Drew Basil: 13 of 16 FGs, 28-29 PATs (30th Nationally)
Punt Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Jordan Hall: 11 for 70 yards, 6.4 avg, 27 long (42nd Nationally)
Chris Fields: 5 for 88 yards, 17.6 avg, 1 TD, 69 long
Corey Brown: 2 for 28 yards, 14.0 avg, 17 long
Devin Smith: 1 for 3 yards (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Ryan Shazier: 1 for 25 yards (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Team: 20 for 214 yards, 10.7 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (33rd Nationally)
Kickoff Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Jordan Hall: 17 for 495 yards, 29.1 avg, 90 long
Jaamal Berry: 7 for 150 yards, 21.40 avg, 28 long
Devin Smith: 4 for 86 yards, 21.4 avg, 28 long
Corey Brown: 1 for 44 yards
Chris Fields: 1 for 15 yards
Tony Jackson: 1 for 10 yards
Carlos Hyde: 1 for 23 yards
Team: 32 for 823 yards, 25.7 avg, 90 long (10th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
22 for 116 yards, 5.27 avg (30th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
40 for 731 yards, 18.28 avg, 9 touchbacks (11th Nationally)
Penn State (Rivals)
Punter
#45 Alex Butterworth (5-10, 206, So., Heritage Christian HS, Indianapolis, IN)
#30 Anthony Fera (6-2, 215, So., St. Pius X HS, Cypress, TX)
Kickoffs/Placekicker
#4 Evan Lewis (5-10, 173, Jr., Gettysburg HS, Gettysburg, PA)
#30 Anthony Fera (6-2, 215, So., St. Pius X HS, Cypress, TX)
Punt Returners
#19 Justin Brown (6-3, 214, Jr., Concord HS, Wilmington, DE)
#20 Devon Smith (5-7, 155, Jr., Westlake HS, White Plains, MD)
Kick Returners
#2 Chaz Powell (6-1, 206, Sr., Susquehannock HS, New Freedom, PA)
#20 Devon Smith (5-7, 155, Jr., Westlake HS, White Plains, MD)
Long Snapper
#60 Ty Howle (6-0, 295, So., Bunn HS, Wake Forest, NC)
#57 Jon Rohrbaugh (6-0, 215, Sr., Howard HS, Ellicott City, MD)
#57 Emery Etter (6-1, 211, Jr., Chambersburg Area HS, Chambersburg, PA)
Holder
#30 Ryan Keiser (6-1, 206, Fr., Selinsgrove HS, Selinsgrove, PA)
#30 Anthony Fera (6-2, 215, So., St. Pius X HS, Cypress, TX)
Ohio State (Rivals)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Punt Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
Kickoff Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#34 Carlos Hyde (6-0, 238, So., Naples HS, Naples, FL)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
Head-to-Head: Penn State Punt team vs. Ohio State Punt Return Team
The Lions have decent stats this year. Their punter Fera is averaging over 42 yards per punt, although he has had one blocked. Ohio State's punt return team has been decent, but not overwhelming. They have had a few good returns and have blocked 1 kick.
Edge: Even
Head-to-Head: Penn State Kickoff team vs. Ohio State Kickoff Return Team
The Nittany Lions give up around 21 yards per return, but again haven't give up any big plays. The Buckeyes kickoff return teams continue their fine year, ranking 10th in the nation in average with 25.7. Nod to the Buckeyes.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Punt team vs. Penn State Punt Return Team
Penn State averages almost 7 yards per return to rank only 78th in the nation. The Buckeyes return defense has performed well, giving up only 5 yards per return and no big plays.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Kickoff team vs. Penn State Kickoff Return Team
The Nittany Lions are 19th in the nation in returns. As a team they are averaging a decent 24.2 yards per return. The feature returner is Chaz Powell. The Junior is averaging almost 30 yards per return and has a 95 yard one on his resume. The Buckeye kickoff return defense continues to play well. They are 11th in the nation and give up only a little over 18 yards per return. If Ohio State can contain Powell, they will win this battle.
Edge: Even
Overall Special Teams Analysis
Penn State brings in workmanlike special teams into the Horseshoe this Saturday. They are decent, but not outstanding. Their OSU counterparts have had some brilliant moments and have some impressive stats, but have broken down in crucial times, low-lighted by last weeks PAT block that in essence cost them the win at Purdue. If the Buckeyes play like they have during the season to date and contain Chaz Powell, Penn State's only real special team's threat, they will win this battle.
PredictionsOffensively, for much of the year, Penn State has been poor. They rank just 88th in total offense (358.5 YPG) despite having a top flight WR, a talented tailback, and a senior-laden line. The running game hasn't been terrible, putting up 162.8 yards a game, ranking 58th. The passing game, however, has been poor all season due to shaky QB play and a revolving door at the position for much of the season, as the Lions rank T89 at just 205.2 YPG. With 7 INTs and 12 sacks, they are about average. At 21.0 points per game they qualify as one of the worst scoring teams in the country, ranking T102. They have been poor moving the chains overall (196 first downs, T72) and are terrible moving the chains on 3rd down, ranking T94 at 34.5%. Most of these categories look familiar to Ohio State fans, as they have seen their own team rank somewhere in the same vicinity on the way to a struggling season behind a freshman QB and the suspensions of some key skill players. Whatever momentum the teams had built was squashed last week for both, so whichever team is able to execute even an adequate offensive gameplan this week and prevent turning the football over will be in prime position for the victory.
Quarterbacks
QB #11 Matt McGloin (6-1, 211, JR, West Scranton HS, Scranton, PA)
The Penn State QB situation has been a mess all season, though ironically with Bradley taking over, he seems to have done something Joe wouldn't, which is to pick a starter and stick with him. Joe (well, commentators on TV at least attributed it to him) often cited the Daryll Clark/Pat Devlin situation from a few years ago as justification for playing both McGloin and sophomore Rob Bolden (#1) at different stages of each game, though that seems to ring a bit hollow in the grand scheme, other than the fact that Devlin transferred to Delaware. Neither McGloin nor Bolden bring a particularly unique skill set to the table, as both are dropback passers who don't run a lick and don't really create all that much downfield on the run either. Both have also struggled with accuracy, as McGloin comes in at 54.1% and Bolden at just 43.1% on the season. Both have made basic, simple throws look difficult at times, but both have also put together a few drives at times as well. At the end of last season, McGloin had been the starter for the second half of the schedule and Bolden wanted to transfer. Then came the catastrophe at the Outback Bowl where McGloin threw 5 INTs and Paterno denying Bolden's transfer request, which put both in the mix this year. Bolden started the first 7 games this season, but McGloin has played a more prominent role in virtually every contest and he is now seemingly the permanent starter, which could put the Lions right back where they started at the end of this season as well. Not surprisingly, McGloin's best games in 2011 have come against teams with weaker defenses. He has cracked 200 yards passing just twice, against Eastern Michigan (14/17, 220, 3 TDs) and Indiana (10/22, 204, TD). He also played well against Northwestern (17/26, 192, 2 TDs). He has also had some serious clunkers though, going 1/10 against Alabama, 9/24 for 98 yards and an INT against Illinois, and 8/17 for 145 and an INT against Purdue. He has completed less than 50% of his passes 5 times, and has thrown an INT in 3 of the past 5 games, though those are his only 3 for the season. He seems to be a rhythm passer, where if he can get some short throws going and gain some confidence, he can really get on a roll. However in games where that doesn't happen, he seems to be somewhat lost. He can't run at all, so that also hinders his value when he is struggling throwing the football. He completed 50% of his throws for 159 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs against Ohio State last year, and though the Buckeye defense isn't as feared as it once was, it would be surprising to see him do much better than that in 2011.
The backup is of course Bolden, who has been by and large a disaster in 2011. He has attempted more than 15 throws just twice, going 11/29 for 144 yards and an INT against Alabama and 9/17 for 92 yards and an INT against Temple. He has completed over 50% of his throws in just 2 games, against Temple (52.9%) and Eastern Michigan (53.8%), and has thrown just 1 TD pass to 4 INTs. He has been completely nonexistent in the second half of the year, going 3/7 against Iowa, 2/6 against Temple, 0/4 against Illinois and disappearing completely last week in the wake of the coaching change. Bolden can't really run with the ball either, so he doesn't bring any extra or added dynamic when he is in the game either (unlike past PSU QBs like Clark and Michael Robinson). It would be borderline shocking to see Bolden play as any sort of rotation on Saturday, as it appears he will only play again if McGloin struggles, which however is still a distinct possibility. So it is possible we will see Bolden, but unlikely on a predetermined schedule.
QB Rating: D-
Head-to-Head: Penn State QB versus OSU QB
McGloin: 106/196 (54.1%), 1386 yards, 7 TDs, 3 INTs, 122.2 rating; 22/-15, 0 TDs
Miller: 46/92 (50.0%), 679 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs, 134.2 rating; 110/490, 5 TDs
We pride ourselves in our objectivity in these previews, but it is really, really difficult to say anything positive about the QB situation for the Lions. Bolden has been completely ineffective after the season's first month, and McGloin has the job basically be default and has struggled considerably as well, especially against better cover defenses. Of course the QB situation at Ohio State hasn't exactly reminded anyone of Air Coryell, and Sid Gillman might well have turned over in his grave watching the Ohio State passing game and its one completion against Illinois. However since Miller has taken over, he has been able to move the offense somewhat effectively and he has made some big plays carrying the football, a threat he brings to each play. Herron's return has helped open things up a bit, but when it comes to the passing game, both of these teams resemble taking bongos to a gun fight. Give Miller the edge for his creativity when plays break down.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
TB #25 Silas Redd (5-10, 209, SO, King Low Heywood Thomas HS, Norwalk, CT)
FB #37 Joe Suhey (6-1, 222, SR, Loyola Academy HS, Deerfield, IL)
Unlike the QB situation, the Lions have plenty of talent at RB and have put together a respectable ground attack. The leader is Redd, who has already eclipsed the 1000 yard barrier after gaining 437 yards last season as the primary backup to Evan Royster. He has cracked the 100 yard barrier 6 times, including an impressive 5 in a row at the start of conference play which just ended last week. He is a tough runner with good speed, and he has been a workhorse this year during conference play, carrying it 28 times or more in 4 out of the last 6 games. His 100 yard efforts were against Indiana State (102), Indiana (129), Iowa (142), Purdue (131), Northwestern (164), and Illinois (137). He has scored 7 TDs and has been very effective in the second half of close games, which has been one of the primary reasons that the Lions have won so many close games in 2011. Without the benefit of a passing game, he has also played against a lot of stacked lines, so his accomplishments are all the more impressive. Despite his speed, he has not been a factor at all as a receiver, which is somewhat surprising.
The Lions are also plenty deep at the position, with 3 players having shared the backup duties. First on the chart is junior Brandon Beechum (#3), a strong runner with a big frame (6-0, 226) who is primarily a between the tackles runner. He was injured for a good portion of the middle of the season, and just made his return 2 games ago. He had 7 carries for 36 yards against a tough Nebraska defense last week, so he appears to be healthy again and will likely see some carries this week. Sophomore Curtis Dukes (#26) took over the primary backup duties in the middle portion of the season. He is a bruiser (6-1, 237) who is built more like a FB and has a straight ahead running style. he had 9 carries for 54 yards against Indiana and 9 for 60 against Iowa, so he has been effective when given opportunities. He may not see as much action this week, as he has not played much the previous 2 weeks and had just 2 carries against Northwestern 3 games ago. Rounding out the chart is senior and one-time potential star Stephfon Green (#21), a burner (5-10, 193) who was buried so far in the doghouse early in the year that he couldn't even find the water dish. He was actually kicked off the team for a brief time and then allowed to return, and he has done everything required of him to return to the rotation, making him a nice redemption story. Despite very limited action this year, he did have 9 carries for 33 yards and a TD against Northwestern and 17 carries for 71 yards and both Lion TDs last week against Nebraska, so he could see the field quite a bit on Saturday. He has made quite a few big plays in his career and is always a threat in the receiving game due to his speed and elusiveness. He brings a dimension to the Lion attack that none of the other backs really have, so in that way he is a very nice complimentary player.
The Lions have always had good FBs, and this year is no exception. Suhey and junior Michale Zordich (#9) are both tough, able blockers that can carry the ball and catch a pass every once in a while as well. It is a position used less and less as football evolves, but these two could likely start for most teams that use one.
RB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Penn State RB versus OSU RB
Redd: 210/1059 yards, 7 TDs, 5.0 YPC; 8 rec/31 yards, 0 TDs, 3.9 YPR
Dukes: 35/212 yards, 1 TD, 6.1 YPC; 2 rec/18 yards, 0 TDs, 9.0 YPR
Beachum: 30/118 yards, 0 TDs, 3.9 YPC; 2 rec/10 yards, 0 TDs, 5.0 YPR
Green: 27/106 yards, 3 TDs, 3.9 YPC; 6 rec/11 yards, 0 TDs, 1.8 YPR
Herron: 88/477 yards, 2 TDs, 5.4 YPC; 2 rec/17 yards, 0 TDs, 8.5 YPR
Hyde: 97/525 yards, 6 TDs, 5.4 YPC; 9 rec/65 yards, 0 TDs, 7.2 YPR
Hall: 94/376 yards, 2 TDs, 4.0 YPC; 5 rec/70 yards, 3 TDs, 14.2 YPR
Both teams have a nice premier back in Redd and Herron. Herron has been very effective since coming back from suspension, amassing almost 500 yards on the ground already. Depth is good for both teams, as players such as Beechum, Hyde, Hall, and Green are proven on the field and bring something to the table. Both teams will likely rely heavily on the run on Saturday, so both defenses will be keyed on the ground attack. Whichever team can loosen things up passing the ball and calls the more effective running plays will likely be in a good position to move the ball. The FBs for both teams are excellent.
Edge: Even
Wide Receivers
WR #6 Derek Moye (6-5, 210, SR, Rochester HS, Rochester, PA)
WR #19 Justin Brown (6-3, 214, JR, Concord HS, Wilmington, DE)
WR #20 Devon Smith (5-7, 155, JR, Westlake HS, White Plains, MD)
The Lions don't quite have the same talent level as the Williams/Butler/Norwood trio from a few years back, but they actually do have some good talent here. Moye has been the primary target for the past 3 seasons, with lines of 48 receptions for 785 yards and 6 TDs in 2009 and 53 for 885 and 8 TDs last season. This year he has struggled with injuries, but he still leads the team in receptions (34), yards (592) and TDs (3) despite missing multiple games. He has cracked the 100 yard receiving mark twice, with 7 for 112 against Temple and 6 for 158 and a TD against Indiana. His other 2 TD catches came against Eastern Michigan. After missing 2 games, he has caught 6 passes for 107 yards total over the past 2 weeks, so he will likely be a factor on Saturday, though how close he is to 100% is anyone's guess. He has a big frame and good hands, so he is a matchup problem all over the field and on both short and long passes. He is a legitimate weapon both downfield and in the red zone, and if he were playing on a better passing team he might have some eye-popping numbers. Brown is similarly a big target with good hands who seems to excel in the medium routes. He has caught at least 3 passes in the previous 9 games, which is impressive consistency given the turmoil at the QB position. He has just one TD reception, against Northwestern, but he is good at picking up first downs and at catching 12-20 yard passes. He runs good routes, so coverage on him will have to be precise. Smith is a jitterbug who seems to be able to break one at any time. He is difficult to pick up in coverage due to his stature, and in the open field he is difficult to track down. His highlights include 3 receptions for 104 yards and a score against Eastern Michigan and 6 for 110 and a score against a Northwestern defense that had no answer for him. He makes some big plays and catches a few passes that don't go very far, so it is always interesting every time he catches the ball. He has good awareness of the field and is always a downfield threat.
The Lions have a relatively deep chart at WR, with a series of players receiving limited field time. Sophomores Brandon Moseby-Felder (#85) and Shawney Kersey (#81) have both had their moments, though both have played sparingly. Freshmen Allen Robinson (#8) and Bill Belton (#5) have gotten their feet wet, and sophomores Curtis Drake (#7) and Christian Kunz (#17) round out the chart.
WR Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Penn State WRs versus OSU WRs
Moye: 34 catches, 592 yards, 3 TDs, 17.4 YPR
Brown: 32 catches, 423 yards, 1 TD, 13.2 YPR
Smith: 21 catches, 333 yards, 2 TDs, 15.9 YPR
Smith: 11 catches, 241 yards, 4 TDs, 21.9 YPR
Brown: 11 catches, 119 yards, 0 TDs, 10.8 YPR
Fields: 7 catches, 101 yards, 0 TDs, 14.4 YPR
The Lions have a trio of players in at least their second year of making consistent contributions to the passing game, as all 3 caught at least 27 passes last season. The numbers are more moderate this season since the passing game has struggled as a whole, but all 3 have caught at least 20 passes and have shown the ability to make an important play. The Buckeyes are breaking in new players this season, so they will hopefully be further along next year like the Lions are this year. However that process is still ongoing, and the Buckeye passing game has struggled mightily because of it as well. With Posey back this week, it is unclear how or how much that will improve the passing game, or how much he will even play. He certainly brings a credible and experienced threat that the Buckeyes have been lacking, but he also hasn't played all season and he doesn't have much time to get game ready. Herron came back and made an immediate impact...if Posey can do the same, it could be a badly needed boost for a struggling offense heading into the Michigan game.
Edge: Penn State
Tight Ends
TE #80 Andrew Szczerba (6-6, 266, SR, Salesianum HS, Wilmington, DE)
The Lions have often used the TE as a featured player in the offense, and gone to the NFL are recent Lion TEs Mickey Shuler and Andrew Quarless. Others such as Kyle Brady and Troy Drayton also had NFL careers. This year, Szczerba isn't as flashy or hyped as some of those former players, but he does a solid job blocking and can catch a pass every once in a while. He isn't a huge threat in the passing game, but he has caught at least one pass in 8 games and can pick up an important first down if called upon. He is built like an offensive lineman (and in fact is almost as big as some of Indiana's linemen) so his blocking is clearly his strength. Sophomore backup Kevin Haplea (#10; 6-4, 251) is much in the same mold and can block in double TE sets.
TE Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Penn State TE versus OSU TE
Szczerba: 11 catches, 89 yards, 0 TDs, 8.1 YPR
Haplea: 2 catches, 9 yards, 1 TD, 4.5 YPR
Stoneburner: 12 catches, 150 yards, 6 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Fragel: 4 catches, 44 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Given the start that Stoneburner had, it's hard to believe he has just 12 receptions for 150 yards at this point in the season. He is a capable blocker and is clearly the best receiving TE of this group, but unfortunately the Buckeye offense has gone away from the TE as it has in so many years past. If Miller could find Stoneburner with a few throws, it could open up the running game a bit also. It is somewhat of a sad state of commentary when a painfully underutilized TE is the best receiver on the team, but that is the situation the Buckeyes are basically in.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
LT #67 Quinn Barham (6-3, 304, SR, Hillside HS, Durham, NC)
LG #74 Johnnie Troutman (6-4, 314, SR, Pemberton Township HS, Brown Mills, NJ)
C #54 Matt Stankiewitch (6-3, 299, JR, Blue Mountain HS, Orwigsburg, PA)
RG #50 DeOn'tae Pannell (6-5, 310, SR, Groves HS, Southfield, MI)
RT #52 Chima Okoli (6-4, 293, SR, Salem HS, Virginia Beach, VA)
While the Lion offense has been relatively poor overall, especially in the passing game, one of the keys to the success of this season in the win column, and perhaps the most important key, has been a senior-laden line that has been completely in tact all season, with the same 5 players starting all 10 games. This has allowed the Lions to stay in games (limiting turnovers, sacks) and win them late with crucial drives and important plays down the stretch, especially in games against Temple, Illinois, and Purdue. It is also in sharp contrast to the previous couple of seasons, where combination after combination was used to try and spark the offense, not allowing for time to gel as a unit. Troutman paces the group with 29 career starts over the previous 3 seasons. All of his starts have been at LG and he probably the best player of the group. Barham has 23 starts, which include every game over the past 2 seasons. He also played other spots as a reserve in 2009, so he is versatile and intelligent and understands the line as a whole. On the right side, Pannell has 19 starts over the past 3 seasons. He has good agility for a man his size and has played quite a bit of guard and tackle in his career, so he is versatile and has good football intelligence. Okoli is a tad undersized for this line but he started 8 games last season and has solidified the RT position. He is a former DT who took over last season after the injury to Eliades and has played every since. Stankiewitch started a couple of games at guard in 2009 before being limited by illness last season. He is a highly intelligent player and potential Academic All-American who has adapted very well to the role in the middle after the departure of Wisniewski. This is somewhat of a "no-name" offensive line, in that they don't have a lot of hype, they haven't been anchored on all-B1G lists in the past, and many have moved around the line earlier in their careers. However as a unit they have been very good at run blocking and have been pretty good in the passing game as well.
The depth chart features a number of juniors and sophomores. Junior T Mike Farrell (#78) is the only player with a career start and is the primary backup at both tackle spots. Along the interior, sophomores Mark Arcidiacondo (#73), Ty Howle (#60) and John Urschel (#64) are learning the offense and waiting in the wings.
OL Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Penn State OL versus OSU OL
The Buckeyes seem to have more talent here overall, but the Lions lead in continuity and play as a unit. Both teams have solid running games and have struggled with the passing game. The Lions are also frequently one of the least penalized lines if football, which points towards good coaching and discipline. It is unlikely that any of the Lions will make first team All-B1G, but the line has been an important factor in winning a lot of close games. Both lines will be critical this weekend, and it would not be surprising to see both play well.
Edge: Even
Overall Offensive Analysis
There isn't much that will surprise anyone about Penn State's 2011 offense. Nick Saban said before the Alabama/Penn State game that the Lions do very basic things but are coached to do them well, and that is really what the 2011 offense represents, at least in theory. The veteran line is reasonably good at run blocking, and Silas Redd has been a very, very good back for the Lions this season so far. Moye is a playmaker and matchup problem downfield, and the Lions have enough size and speed overall to compete with most teams in the receiving/TE corps. Where they have been bad is at QB, with a coaching staff that refused to go with one of them and 2 players who never seemed to gel with each other and don't especially compliment each others' talents. Basically they have run 2 guys out there that do most of the same things, and neither has done them especially well. Some Penn State games (Illinois) have been painful to watch, but unlike some previous seasons, the Lions found ways to win close games. Of course that was before. All that is left now is a team trying to piece together then end of a season that will be talked about amongst the masses for decades, and for all the wrong reasons. Certainly, a couple of scenarios are possible. The Lions could wilt on the road, where they are likely to face intensely hostile crowds and deal with some invective that the players themselves have nothing to do with. Or they could circle the wagons and embrace the us against the world mentality, and actually play better on the road away from the press and distractions in State College and focusing more completely on the football game. The OCs remain in tact and the players seem to respond to Bradley. If the Lions can run and not turn the football over, they can at least stay in the game, much as they did last week against Nebraska. The Buckeye defense has been uncharacteristically accommodating in recent weeks, so if they can hit a pass or 2 to Moye or get Smith in the open field, they have a chance to make some plays in the passing game. They likely won't need too many points, as both offenses have been struggling. So if they can put together a drive or 2 and keep the Buckeyes on a long field, they have a shot at just their second road win in Columbus in the B1G era. Given what the state of the program will likely be in the near future, it is unclear when realistically they will have another chance to get one.
Overall Offensive Rating: C
2011 Penn State Nittany Lions Defensive Preview
Tom Bradley has been around a long time, compared to anyone not named Joe Paterno, but he's still got it. Now in his 33nd season with Penn State, and starting this season as his 12th year as DC, he has the Nittany Lions playing very good defense. Yes, he was named Interim Head Coach last week, but he's the one responsible for putting together this group and getting them to execute his schemes.
Penn State's defense ranks third nationally in points allowed (12.9 per game), trailing only Alabama and LSU. And the Nittany Lions' defense is eighth in the country in yards allowed per game (287.2).
After forcing only 17 turnovers in 2010, the Nittany Lions have generated 23 takeaways in 10 games this year, and are tied for the B1G lead in that area. They have registered 24 sacks, good for third in the conference, but no individual has more than 4.5.
Although several of these players got a look from the Buckeyes (links to BP recruiting threads are provided where a name is underlined), there are no defensive players on the entire roster from the state of Ohio (there are 4 Ohio natives that play offensive positions).
Defensive Line
LE #90 Sean Stanley (6-1, 246, Jr.)
LT #47 Jordan Hill (6-1, 297, Jr.)
RT #71 Devon Still (6-5, 310, Sr.)
RE #81 Jack Crawford (6-5, 273, So.)
Devon Still is a strong candidate for All-American honors, and was just named as one of 5 finalists (only 2 of which were D-Linemen) for the Bednarik Award, given annually to the nation's top defender. Still has been the leader of this strong unit, and ranks sixth in the country in tackles for loss (16.5) for 75 yards, of which four are sacks for 34 yards. He has one pass breakup and one forced fumble. He has 53 total tackles (25 assisted). He is a run-stopping force that is also able to get penetration and make plays in the backfield. He had a career-high 7 tackles against Alabama.
The other tackle is Jordan Hill. His #47 is an odd number for a DT, but he used to play on the outside. He now holds his own on the inside, and is free to make more plays due to the frequent double-teams on Still. He also had his career best against the Crimson Tide earlier this season, racking up 8 tackles in that contest, and then exceeded that with 10 against Illinois. For the season, he has 8 TFLs, of which 3.5 are sacks. He also has a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two pass break-ups. Paired with Still, the DTs make it tough sledding on interior running plays. Hill also tipped a pass that resulted in a key INT at Northwestern.
Pete Massaro, who had 5 tackles in their game in Columbus last year, was expected to provide an outside pass rush, but has missed the entire 2011 season due to a torn ACL suffered in spring practice. That role is filled by Jack Crawford. He had 7 tackles last month in Evanston, and had the only sack last week on Husker QB Taylor Martinez, but his 4.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks aren't as many big plays as Tom Bradley would like to see.
Eric Latimore (6-6, 277, Sr.) and Kyle Baublitz (6-5, 275, rFr.) provide depth at the LE position. Latimore missed most of 2010 with a wrist injury, but has started 4 games in 2011, tallying 3.5 TFLs and 2 sacks.
Other depth is provided by right end: #86 C.J. Olaniyan (6-3, 249, rFr.), and tackles: #91 DaQuan Jones (6-3, 312, So.), #97 Luke Graham (6-4, 283, rFr.), and #93 James Terry (6-3, 318, Jr.). Out of this group, none have started a game this year, and Terry is the one that will give the starting DTs a breather.
DL Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State DL
These groups are similar to each other, in that they are fairly stout against the run, but don't get enough of a pass rush from the DEs. Still and Hill will plug up the inside while getting into the backfield to cause problems. The lack of an outstanding outside pass rusher (in each case due to injury: Nathan Williams and Pete Massaro), keeps these units from being considered elite.
Edge: Even
Linebackers
OLB #6 Gerald Hodges (6-2, 234, Jr.)
ILB #40 Glenn Carson (6-3, 239, So.)
OLB #34 Nate Stupar (6-1, 234, Sr.)
Mike Mauti started off the year very well (13 tackles in the Bama game), but was injured in their last non-conference game against Eastern Michigan. He was replaced by Stupar, who grabbed a pair of interceptions against Purdue. Nate got 3 TFLs in the Eastern Michigan game, but only has another 1.5 in all of the other contests. He has come on in the last few weeks, with 37 tackles in his last 4 games.
Hodges, a safety earlier in his career, registered 19 tackles when Illinois visited State College. That earned him a second straight B1G Defensive Player of the Week award, since he also received that honor with 14 tackles against Northwestern. Since Mauti has been unavailable, Hodges has usually been the leading tackler, and has totalled 10 TFLs and a team-leading 4.5 sacks. He returned an interception 63 yards in the second half of the Northwestern game to set up an important second half TD.
Carson only has 18 solo tackles in his 10 starts, although he did get 4 last week against Nebraska. Since Penn State will probably play even less nickel defense this week than they usually do, he'll be on the field more. He needs to get better at getting off blocks.
Depth is provided by LBs: #43 Mike Hull (6-0, 220, rFr.), #33 Mike Yancich (6-2, 237, Jr.), #54 Jamie Van Fleet (6-0, 228, Jr.), and #11 Khairi Fortt (6-2, 234, So.). Fortt got 1.5 sacks in the Iowa game. The other 3 haven't seen a lot of action since conference play began, and probably won't get many defensive snaps unless one of the starters gets injured.LB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus Ohio State LBs
Hodges has filled in for Mauti as somebody making plays from sideline to sideline, and Stupar has come on the last few weeks. Both units have a rare issue with depth this season. But Andrew Sweat has been the only consistently solid performer for the Buckeyes this year, and due to a concussion, he will be replaced by the speedy true freshman Ryan Shazier in this game. The Nittany Lions get the edge here.
Edge: Penn State
Secondary
FS #1 Nick Sukay (6-1, 219, Sr.)
Hero #28 Drew Astorino (5-10, 207, Sr.)
RCB #2 Chaz Powell (6-1, 206, Sr.)
LCB #8 D'Anton Lynn (6-1, 208, Sr.)
Penn State has plenty of size and experience in the secondary. Rarely does a team send out a pair of corners that are both 6'1", and also start 4 seniors in the secondary that are all over 205 pounds.
Nick Sukay has 3 interceptions to lead the team, as he did last year before a torn pectoral muscle caused him to miss the second half of the season. Sukay will also occasionally go for a gigantic hit, and is equally capable of knocking out an opposing receiver and drawing a foolish penalty. #10 Malcolm Willis (5-11, 209, So.) got some experience as his replacement last year, and now provides depth at the free safety spot, along with #23 Ryan Keiser (6-1, 206, rFr).
Expect Drew Astorino, listed at the 'Hero' (Strong Safety) position, to roam the field. He will be making his 38th career start, the most on the team. He will blitz on occasion, and has 5 TFLs. He leads the DBs with 57 tackles.
SS, or 'Hero', depth is provided by: #23 Stephen Obeng-Agyapong (5-10, 202, So.), and #27 Jake Fagnano (6-0, 207, Jr.). Once again, they both haven't seen a lot of playing time since conference play began.
One-time starter #12 Stephon Morris (5-8, 184, Jr.) is the backup at the right corner spot. He started 2 games instead of Lynn this season, and has recorded 11 tackles despite missing the Iowa game with an injury.
Other depth comes from RCB #14 Mike Wallace (5-9, 193, So.), and LCBs #4 Adrian Amos (6-0, 205, Fr) and #5 Derrick Thomas (6-0, 181, So.)., but they'll hardly see the field unless there's an issue with one of the starters.
DB Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Penn State versus OSU DBs
Last year both secondaries had numerous injury problems. This year, the senior-laden PSU defensive backfield has been relatively injury free, and their experience has allowed them to post the top ranking in passing efficiency defense in the B1G, while sharing the top spot with Sparty with 14 interceptions. The Buckeye secondary is talented, but their youth has caused some issues with blown coverages and poor tackling angles. The experienced backfield for the Nittany Lions gets the nod here.
Edge: Penn State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Penn State has excellent ratings in several defensive categories: yards/play, passing efficiency defense, and turnovers created. Their pass rush is good but not great, and they have only performed at an average level in the red zone, allowing 5.0 points per opponents visit.
The feeling here is that their defensive team rankings have benefited from having not faced Wisconsin yet, and that their season-ending trip to Madison will damage their lofty rankings. Overall, they are probably better than the Buckeyes, but not as good as Sparty. Devon Still is a stud who will make life difficult for the interior of the Buckeye O-Line.
With both offenses struggling to pass the ball, a low scoring, field position battle should be on display Saturday. Turnovers will be huge in such a slugfest.
Overall Defensive Rating: B+
2011 Penn State Nittany Lions Special Teams Preview
The Buckeyes entertain fellow Leaders Division rival Penn State this Saturday in Ohio Stadium. The Nittany Lions go on the road for the first time since the story broke of alleged sexual abuse by former members of the coaching staff. Will Penn State be relieved to be away from the glare of home or will they be tight after the firing of their long-term coach?
Special Teams' Stats (NCAA, GoPSUSports, OhioStateBuckeyes)
Penn State
Punting:
Anthony Fera: 46 for 1936 yards, 42.1 avg, 11 Touchbacks, 14 Fair Catch, 11 inside 20, 1 blocked (33rd Nationally)
Alex Butterworth: 8 for 308 yards, 38.5 avg, 1 Touchback, 1 Fair Catch, 3 inside 20
Team: 54 for 2244 yards, 41.6 avg, 12 Touchbacks, 15 Fair Catch, 1 blocked (91st Nationally)
Kicking:
Lewis Evan: 1-5 FGs, 6-7 PATs
Sam Ficken: 1-2 FGs
Anthony Fera: 12-15 FGs, 15-15 PATs (26th Nationally)
Team: 14-22 FGs, 21-22 PATs
Punt Returns:
Justin Brown: 21 for 150 yards, 7.1 avg, 33 long (39th Nationally)
Drew Astorino: 3 for 16 yards, 5.3 avg, 7 long
Devon Smith: 3 for 11 yards, 3.7 avg, 13 long
Derek Move: 3 for 43 yards, 14.3 avg, 31 long
Team: 32 for 221, 6.9 avg, 33 long (78th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns:
Chaz Powell: 18 for 531 yards, 29.5 avg, 1 TD, 95 long (11th Nationally)
Adrian Amos: 5 for 98 yards, 19.6 avg, 26 long
Devon Smith: 4 for 42 yards, 10.5 avg, 17 long
Bil Belton: 1 for 15 yards
Alex Kenney: 1 for 16 yards
Team: 29 for 702 yards, 24.2 avg, 1 TD, 95 long (19th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
13 for 98 yards, 7.54 avg (62nd Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
36 for 774 yards, 21.5 avg, 10 Touchbacks (67th Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting:
Ben Buchanan: 58 for 2380 yards, 41.03 avg (47th Nationally)
Placekicking:
Drew Basil: 13 of 16 FGs, 28-29 PATs (30th Nationally)
Punt Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Jordan Hall: 11 for 70 yards, 6.4 avg, 27 long (42nd Nationally)
Chris Fields: 5 for 88 yards, 17.6 avg, 1 TD, 69 long
Corey Brown: 2 for 28 yards, 14.0 avg, 17 long
Devin Smith: 1 for 3 yards (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Ryan Shazier: 1 for 25 yards (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Team: 20 for 214 yards, 10.7 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (33rd Nationally)
Kickoff Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Jordan Hall: 17 for 495 yards, 29.1 avg, 90 long
Jaamal Berry: 7 for 150 yards, 21.40 avg, 28 long
Devin Smith: 4 for 86 yards, 21.4 avg, 28 long
Corey Brown: 1 for 44 yards
Chris Fields: 1 for 15 yards
Tony Jackson: 1 for 10 yards
Carlos Hyde: 1 for 23 yards
Team: 32 for 823 yards, 25.7 avg, 90 long (10th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
22 for 116 yards, 5.27 avg (30th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
40 for 731 yards, 18.28 avg, 9 touchbacks (11th Nationally)
Penn State (Rivals)
Punter
#45 Alex Butterworth (5-10, 206, So., Heritage Christian HS, Indianapolis, IN)
#30 Anthony Fera (6-2, 215, So., St. Pius X HS, Cypress, TX)
Kickoffs/Placekicker
#4 Evan Lewis (5-10, 173, Jr., Gettysburg HS, Gettysburg, PA)
#30 Anthony Fera (6-2, 215, So., St. Pius X HS, Cypress, TX)
Punt Returners
#19 Justin Brown (6-3, 214, Jr., Concord HS, Wilmington, DE)
#20 Devon Smith (5-7, 155, Jr., Westlake HS, White Plains, MD)
Kick Returners
#2 Chaz Powell (6-1, 206, Sr., Susquehannock HS, New Freedom, PA)
#20 Devon Smith (5-7, 155, Jr., Westlake HS, White Plains, MD)
Long Snapper
#60 Ty Howle (6-0, 295, So., Bunn HS, Wake Forest, NC)
#57 Jon Rohrbaugh (6-0, 215, Sr., Howard HS, Ellicott City, MD)
#57 Emery Etter (6-1, 211, Jr., Chambersburg Area HS, Chambersburg, PA)
Holder
#30 Ryan Keiser (6-1, 206, Fr., Selinsgrove HS, Selinsgrove, PA)
#30 Anthony Fera (6-2, 215, So., St. Pius X HS, Cypress, TX)
Ohio State (Rivals)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Punt Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
Kickoff Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#34 Carlos Hyde (6-0, 238, So., Naples HS, Naples, FL)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
Head-to-Head: Penn State Punt team vs. Ohio State Punt Return Team
The Lions have decent stats this year. Their punter Fera is averaging over 42 yards per punt, although he has had one blocked. Ohio State's punt return team has been decent, but not overwhelming. They have had a few good returns and have blocked 1 kick.
Edge: Even
Head-to-Head: Penn State Kickoff team vs. Ohio State Kickoff Return Team
The Nittany Lions give up around 21 yards per return, but again haven't give up any big plays. The Buckeyes kickoff return teams continue their fine year, ranking 10th in the nation in average with 25.7. Nod to the Buckeyes.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Punt team vs. Penn State Punt Return Team
Penn State averages almost 7 yards per return to rank only 78th in the nation. The Buckeyes return defense has performed well, giving up only 5 yards per return and no big plays.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Kickoff team vs. Penn State Kickoff Return Team
The Nittany Lions are 19th in the nation in returns. As a team they are averaging a decent 24.2 yards per return. The feature returner is Chaz Powell. The Junior is averaging almost 30 yards per return and has a 95 yard one on his resume. The Buckeye kickoff return defense continues to play well. They are 11th in the nation and give up only a little over 18 yards per return. If Ohio State can contain Powell, they will win this battle.
Edge: Even
Overall Special Teams Analysis
Penn State brings in workmanlike special teams into the Horseshoe this Saturday. They are decent, but not outstanding. Their OSU counterparts have had some brilliant moments and have some impressive stats, but have broken down in crucial times, low-lighted by last weeks PAT block that in essence cost them the win at Purdue. If the Buckeyes play like they have during the season to date and contain Chaz Powell, Penn State's only real special team's threat, they will win this battle.
BB73's prediction: 20-17, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 13-7, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 13-10, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 16-10, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 21-17, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game Result: (tOSU 23, Purdue 26, OT)
(210) BB73's prediction: 27-17, Ohio State (23 + 187 last week = 210)
(217) jwinslow's prediction: 31-17, Ohio State (27 + 190 last week = 217)
(243) Bucky Katt's prediction: 26-17, Ohio State (22 + 221 last week =243)
(249) Bucklion's prediction: 31-16, Ohio State (28 + 221 last week = 249)
(262) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State (31 + 231 last week = 262)
(271) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (31 + 240 last week = 271)
(275) JCOSU86's prediction: 24-10, Ohio State (27 + 248 last week= 275)
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 13-7, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 13-10, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 16-10, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 21-17, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game Result: (tOSU 23, Purdue 26, OT)
(210) BB73's prediction: 27-17, Ohio State (23 + 187 last week = 210)
(217) jwinslow's prediction: 31-17, Ohio State (27 + 190 last week = 217)
(243) Bucky Katt's prediction: 26-17, Ohio State (22 + 221 last week =243)
(249) Bucklion's prediction: 31-16, Ohio State (28 + 221 last week = 249)
(262) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State (31 + 231 last week = 262)
(271) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (31 + 240 last week = 271)
(275) JCOSU86's prediction: 24-10, Ohio State (27 + 248 last week= 275)
Scores are adjusted for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.