Ohio State vs. Penn State Football 2009
Buckeyes, Nittany Lions Try to Keep Big Ten Title Hopes Alive
Nov 4, 2009
The No. 15-ranked Buckeyes and the No. 11 Nittany Lions will meet in a Big Ten showdown scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST at State College, Pa. ABC will telecast the game, which will match two of the nation's top defenses.
Ohio State (7-2 overall, 4-1 conference) and Penn State (8-1, 4-1) are tied for second in conference. If the Buckeyes win, they'll be no worse than a game behind first-place Iowa entering a Nov. 14 contest vs. the Hawkeyes at Columbus, Ohio.
Coach Jim Tressel's OSU team has won two straight since being upset 26-18 by Purdue on Oct. 17. Last week, the Buckeyes cruised past New Mexico State 45-0 in a non-conference game.
Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions have won five straight since falling to Iowa 21-10 on Sept. 26. They're still alive in the Big Ten race, but would likely need Iowa to lose at least twice in order to claim an outright championship. Penn State is coming off a 34-13 victory over Northwestern.
Ohio State and Penn State will meet for the 25th time, and the winner will break a 12-12 series tie. The visiting team won each of the last two games, with Penn State prevailing 13-6 at Columbus in 2008, and OSU winning 37-17 at Happy Valley in 2007.
Penn State Allows Fewest Points in FBS
The Nittany Lions gave up just a touchdown and two field goals to Northwestern, but it was still one of their worst defenses games of the season. Penn State allows 9.3 points per game to lead the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and is fifth in total defense (254.8 yards per game).
Penn State has registered 32 sacks, and its average of 3.56 is fourth in the FBS. The Nittany Lions also boast the nation's fifth-best rushing defense (84.1 yards per game).
Middle linebacker Josh Hull has much to do with that, racking up 83 tackles, with 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions. Outside linebackers Navorro Bowman (53 tackles, 9 tackles for loss) and Sean Lee (49 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks) are also coming up big.
The NIttany Lions powerful defensive line features Jack Crawford (13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks), Jared Odrick (10 tackles for loss, 6 sacks), Ollie Ogbu (7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 foced fumbles) and Eric Latimore (3.5 sacks).
Penn State's secondary includes safety Nick Sukay (7 pass breakups) and cornerback A.J. Wallace (2 interceptions).
Talented Trio Leads Penn State Offense
Penn State's offense isn't as overwhelming as its defense, but it's a formidable group that averages 30.7 points and 429 yards per game. Quarterback Daryll Clark, running back Evan Royster and receiver Derek Moye are enjoying stellar seasons.
Clark has completed 63.1 percent of is passes for 2,158 yards. The senior has thrown 18 TDs, against seven interceptions, and he's also rushed for five touchdowns.
Royster has rushed for 859 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. The junior has 11 pass receptions for 145 yards and a TD.
Moye paces the Nittany Lions with 39 receptions for 648 yards. The 6-foot-5 sophomore has caught five TDs to share the team lead with Graham Zug (39 catches, 34 yards).
Chaz Powell has 25 receptions for 352 yards and three TDs and also averages 29 yards per kickoff return. Tight end Andrew Quarless is a heavy contributor as well, making 25 catches for 340 yards.
Buckeyes Rank Sixth in Total Defense
The Ohio State defense ranks high in a number of FBS categories. The Buckeyes are sixth in scoring defense (11.7 points per game), total defense (260.0 yards) and rushing defense (86.4 yards). OSU is also sixth in turnovers forced (24).
Safety Kurt Coleman is a heavy hitter who's produced 53 tackles and three interceptions, in addition to forcing three fumbles. Linebackers Brian Rolle and Ross Homan lead OSU in tackles with 69 and 66.
Ohio State's formidable defensive front includes Thaddeus Gibson (9.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks), Cameron Heyward (3 sacks) and tackle Nathan Williams (8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks).
In the secondary, Coleman is joined by the likes of safety Jermale Hines (44 tackles, 2 interceptions) and cornerback Chimdi Chekwa (6 pass breakups, 1 interception).
Ohio State Offense Inconsistent
Ohio State's problems have stemmed mainly from inconsistency on offense. The Buckeyes are averaging 31 points per game, but are only 76th in the FBS in total offense (376.1 yards).
OSU was never expected to be a big passing team, but there's little doubt that that the passing attack hasn't been what it could be. The Buckeyes rank only 84th in the FBS with an average of 189.6 yards per game.
Sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor is a gifted athlete who leads the team in rushing. He's had some good moments throwing the ball, completing 54.6 percent of his passes for 1,543 yards and 13 touchdowns. But he's also thrown nine interceptions.
Ohio State's receiving corps is led by Devier Posey, who's made 43 catches for 595 yards and six touchdowns. Dane Sanzebacher has added 23 catches for 460 yards, and also has six TDs. He's averaging 20 yards per reception.
Herron's Return Adds Depth to OSU Rushing Attack
The Buckeyes received a boost from the return of running back Dan Herron last week. The sophomore had been hampered by anke problems, which limited him to two carries over a four-game span. But he had six carries vs. New Mexico State, one of them being a 53-yard touchdown.
Herron has gained 307 yards and scored six touchdowns this season, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt. And the Buckeyes can definitely use another set of legs to send at the tough Penn State defense.
Pryor's been carrying a huge load, rushing for a team-high 554 yards and six touchdowns on 5.0 yards per carry. Speedy Brandon Saine (439 yards, 5.0 yards per carry, 1 TD) is the Buckeyes' No. 2 rusher.
