With Michigan State in the midst of a much-needed bye week, I've chosen instead to examine another game with Big Ten conference title implications, Penn State's forthcoming visit to Columbus,Ohio,where the ninth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes await.
This year's conference race has been both extremely competitive and incredibly confusing for fans, as a number of different scenarios could play out in this last month, only some of which could be beneficial for the Spartans. Based on both MSU's lower BCS ranking and the lack of a head-to-head matchup with Ohio State, a loss by the Buckeyes would be good news for Michigan State's postseason hopes this fall.
However, the major question remains as to what squad will actually be able to knock off OSU before season's end. Wisconsin has shown us that it's definitely possible, and in order to win, the Nittany Lions will have to replicate the Badgers' efforts. Specifically, PSU needs to contain QB Terrelle Pryor as successfully as Wisconsin did: they held him to 14 completions for a mere 156 yards, and eliminated his threat as a runner, bottling him up for only 3.1 yards per carry in a 13-point win.
Staying on that side of the ball, the Nittany Lions' defense has played down in losses to Alabama and Illinois, surrendering a combined 822 yards in losing by an average of almost 21 points. But, in defeating Michigan and Northwestern these past two weekends, that group displayed better effort, and they'll definitely need similar success if they hope to beat Jim Tressel's group.
In addition to a solid defensive showing, Penn State will have to rush the football extremely well, mainly to keep the ball out of Pryor's hands. In 2 of their 3 conference wins, the Nittany Lions have done just that, running for more yards than their opponent, and in beating U of M, received 150 yards and two scores from RB Evan Royster. Similar numbers from their senior ballcarrier would be ideal on Saturday.
To top that, they'll also need steady play from former walk-on turned starting QB Matt McGloin. In the past 2 weeks, McGloin has delivered rock-solid results, throwing 5 scores against zero interceptions-if the game is close, PSU can't afford an ill-timed turnover from their new starter.
No matter what the statistics, box scores, or game previews say though, Saturday's match-up will be a physical Big Ten battle, and the winner will without a doubt run the football effectively, limit turnovers, and most of all, play tougher to-a-man than their opponent. For once, I'll be rooting for the Nittany Lions.
--Beau
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