Top ten reasons I think Ohio State wins tonight:
10. PSU's undersized O-line. OSU's D-line has had difficulty holding up against big O-lines like Wisky. Vs. PSU, we should have the power advantage. Our DEs have done a good job of persuing from the edges, if the middle can hold, the lanes should collapse. The returns of Larimore and Williams help.
9. Health. With the exception of Wison and the Frosh OL, OSU should be at nearly full strength. Getting Boom, Sanzo, Rehring, Nicol, Larimore, Rose, and Williams back in the rotation can only help.
8. PSU's schedule. The toughest teams the Nits have played are Purdue, who held them to 20 pts, and Michigan, who led at the half. Granted, we didn't look so hot against Purdue, but PSU hasn't faced the talent level the Bucks have, especially on D.
7. Spread HD for PSU = Nickel HD for OSU. Five DBs for OSU means Daryll Clark will be facing the best backfield he's ever seen. When PSU goes 3WR, we counter with Jenkins, Chekwa, and Washington. On possible running downs, replace a CB with Hines. I love it when Hines is on the field, he brings a lot of intensity to the field. All of our DBs are adept in coverage and run support. It's time for Clark to continue the tradition of throwing INTs to our DBs.
6. Team morale is at a season high. After the roller-coaster first half of the season, any team could have gone in the tank. But, the Buckeyes managed to fight thru and pull out some tough wins. At Wisky, they managed to keep it close enough for an inspiring late scoring drive. Vs. Purdue, the O stalled, but the D played lights out. At MSU, all the pieces came together, the team played with excitement, and they dominated. Just what they needed to boost confidence before a huge game.
5. Offense is finding its identity. Last week, Pryor and Beanie got the rhythm of the read option worked out, and it opened up the rest of the O. There are multiple ways for this squad to pick up yards in large chunks, and they can grind it out, too. Still a long way to go, but it has improved every week, and PSU has some weaknesses in the back seven.
4. Pryor on the big stage. TP has played in primetime as a supporting character, and in his solo debut; this is different. Tonight will be the first time he sees the 'Shoe turned up to 11, and he's playing against his home state flagship. Big Ten title on the line, national TV, a chance to show up Mark May...it's all set up for a breakout game.
3. James Patrick Tressel. A lot has been said about Coach Tressel's ability to coach in big games after the last few losses, but that's mostly because the games we win immediately get downgraded from "big". Coach T is still one of the elite coaches in college football, and this is the type of game he thrives in. Conference rival with title implications, against a coach he's known his whole life, against players he recruited. This is the type of game where you should be glad you have a coach who cares more about winning the field position battle than calling the OMG coolest trick play.
2. Ohio Stadium. At night. Under the Lights. TBDBITL. Homecoming. Booze. Home underdogs. Conference championship on the line. Booze. JoePa's last game in the 'Shoe. Booze. #3 vs. #9. National television. More booze. It's been said many times in this thread, if you are lucky enough to be in the stadium for the game, CHEER YOUR HEART OUT! Let our men know how much you love them. Let their boys know how much you hate them. Make those Penn State fucks wish they'd never gotten off the bus. If you are under the age of 70, and you don't plan on losing your voice by mid 1st qtr, you don't deserve to be at the game (if you're over 70 and plan on yelling until you're hoarse, you fucking rock!). Show the country who's got the best damn fans in the land, and cheer your team to victory!
1.BEANIE IS HUNGRY!!!
FEED BEANIE!!!!!!