The Ohio State Buckeyes are set to face off against the Penn State Nittany Lions in a highly anticipated matchup. As two of the top teams in the Big Ten, this game is sure to be a thrilling contest that will have a significant impact on the conference standings. With that in mind, here are five ways that OSU can beat Penn State.
Establish a Strong Running Game
One of the keys to Ohio State's success will be establishing a strong running game. The Buckeyes have a talented stable of running backs, led by J.K. Dobbins, who has been one of the top rushers in the Big Ten this season. If OSU can get Dobbins and their other running backs going, it will open up the passing game and allow quarterback Justin Fields to make plays down the field.
Penn State's defense has been stout against the run this season, but the Buckeyes have the talent and depth to wear them down. If OSU can get a strong running game going, it will be difficult for the Nittany Lions to keep up.
Get Fields Involved in the Running Game
In addition to getting the running backs involved, the Buckeyes will also need to get quarterback Justin Fields involved in the running game. Fields is a dynamic athlete who has shown the ability to make plays with his legs, and he will need to do so again against Penn State.
The Nittany Lions' defense has been vulnerable to mobile quarterbacks, and Fields has the ability to exploit this weakness. If he can get outside and make plays with his legs, it will open up the passing game and allow the Buckeyes to move the ball more effectively.
Use Play-Action to Attack Penn State's Secondary
Another key to Ohio State's success will be using play-action to attack Penn State's secondary. The Nittany Lions' defense has been vulnerable to play-action passes, and the Buckeyes have the talent and scheme to take advantage of this weakness.
Fields has shown the ability to throw accurate deep balls, and the Buckeyes have a talented group of wide receivers who can get behind the defense. If OSU can get the running game going and use play-action to attack Penn State's secondary, it could be a long day for the Nittany Lions' defense.
Attack Penn State's Weaknesses in the Secondary
In addition to using play-action, the Buckeyes will also need to attack Penn State's weaknesses in the secondary. The Nittany Lions' defense has been vulnerable to big plays, and the Buckeyes have the talent and scheme to exploit this weakness.
Ohio State's wide receivers have been making big plays all season, and they will need to do so again against Penn State. If the Buckeyes can get their receivers involved and make big plays down the field, it will be difficult for the Nittany Lions to keep up.
Pressure Penn State's Quarterback
On the defensive side of the ball, the Buckeyes will need to pressure Penn State's quarterback, Sean Clifford. Clifford has been a dynamic player for the Nittany Lions, but he has also shown a tendency to struggle under pressure.
Ohio State's defensive line has been one of the top units in the Big Ten this season, and they will need to bring the heat against Clifford. If the Buckeyes can get to Clifford and disrupt the Nittany Lions' offense, it will be difficult for Penn State to move the ball.
Use Blitzes to Disrupt Penn State's Offense
In addition to getting pressure from the defensive line, the Buckeyes will also need to use blitzes to disrupt Penn State's offense. The Nittany Lions' offense has been vulnerable to blitzes, and the Buckeyes have the talent and scheme to take advantage of this weakness.
Ohio State's linebackers and defensive backs have been making big plays all season, and they will need to do so again against Penn State. If the Buckeyes can use blitzes to disrupt the Nittany Lions' offense, it will be difficult for Penn State to move the ball.
Win the Special Teams Battle
Finally, the Buckeyes will need to win the special teams battle against Penn State. The Nittany Lions' special teams unit has been one of the top units in the Big Ten this season, and the Buckeyes will need to match them.
Ohio State's special teams unit has been solid this season, but they will need to be better against Penn State. If the Buckeyes can win the special teams battle, it will give them a significant advantage and allow them to control the tempo of the game.
If the Buckeyes can execute these five strategies, they will be well on their way to beating Penn State and staying in the hunt for the Big Ten championship.
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on how OSU can beat Penn State in the comments below.
What is the key to Ohio State's success against Penn State?
+The key to Ohio State's success against Penn State will be establishing a strong running game. If the Buckeyes can get their running backs going, it will open up the passing game and allow quarterback Justin Fields to make plays down the field.
How can Ohio State attack Penn State's secondary?
+Ohio State can attack Penn State's secondary by using play-action to get behind the defense. The Buckeyes have a talented group of wide receivers who can make big plays down the field, and quarterback Justin Fields has shown the ability to throw accurate deep balls.
What is the most important aspect of the game for Ohio State?
+The most important aspect of the game for Ohio State will be winning the special teams battle. If the Buckeyes can win the special teams battle, it will give them a significant advantage and allow them to control the tempo of the game.