OSU vs. PSU; Warning of Scarlet Fever Outbreak in Columbus

Penn State beware; there will be an outbreak of Scarlet Fever in Ohio Stadium Saturday night. The only rash involved with this fever will be 102,329 rabid, scarlet clad fans filling the stadium and looking for a Homecoming victory. Temperatures in the Horseshoe may rise to the 101° generally associated with Scarlet Fever as a hard nosed football game is expected to ensue. With the Big Ten title on the line, expect plenty of lost voices in the outbreak.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have found that fighting the poll voters is similar to fighting the toxins of scarlet fever. While making a 5-0 victory run since the night game on September 13^th, the Buckeyes have only moved three spots in the rankings.

Not even a stellar performance last week against then 20^th ranked Michigan State could gain the squad voter respect.

Ohio State walked into hostile East Lansing last weekend to play a tough conference match-up. After the loss to USC, every game has played to “save” the season as well as keep team goals within reach. While the games leading up to MSU gave Buckeye faithful a new reason to worry, they were finally able to pull it together against a tight Spartan bunch.

Offensive struggles had been the main topic of Buckeye buzz this season. The line had not been on point. The linebacking crew looked as if they have forgotten how to read the opposing players. Freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor tried to make every play a big play and coincidentally hit the turf because of rookie indecision with the ball. Aside from Beanie Wells, the OSU running game hardly existed without moving Pryor on his feet. The twin tower Brian’s (Hartline and Robiskie) renowned for their respective skills last season seemed to be but a distant memory in 2008. 

The defensive side of the Buckeye ball wasn’t holding their own against opposing offenses either.  Allowing major gaps to open, easily defendable passes completed and first downs on major plays made the veteran big boys look like they had just stepped on to the field for the first time.

Remember this evaluation is coming from a fan who, rather than an outsider, knows the potential of her team and is overly critical. The reality of the situation is that the Buckeyes have been winning. The wins were not pretty but neither were the 2002 wins which led to a National title. That team pulled the same nail biting “play to the potential of the opponent” madness. Admittedly great football to watch, it does nothing for the respect of the voters when enough has already been done to lose every ounce of their admiration.

Last Saturday against Michigan State the chant “overrated” was finally silenced.

Pryor seemed to “get it” going 7-of-11 passing for 116 yards including a 56-yard TD throw against a blitz to wide receiver Brian Hartline-the Buckeyes’ longest play from scrimmage this year.  Giving credit where credit is due, “I put our success today on the linemen, really,” Pryor said after the 45-7 victory over Michigan State last weekend. “I think they proved how good they are, and hopefully it will carry into next week. We’ve just got to keep on improving.”

The Buckeyes defense, while improved last weekend, will have their work cut out for them against Penn State.

PSU experienced adversity against Michigan last weekend. Down 17-14 at the half and were tied at 17 late in the third quarter, the Nittany Lions were then able to play up to their number 3 ranking going into control-mode and rolling to a 46-17 win. With Oregon State and Illinois being their most notable wins, Coach Joe Paterno’s boys have blown out some less remarkable teams.

The biggest threat to the Buckeyes will be the mental toughness within the team. Stopping the pass of first year starter Darryl Clark is a just as big of a priority. His capabilities could make or break the Buckeyes. Clark is protected by a decent offensive line. The OSU defense must blitz and stop the ball from getting into the hands of the solid Penn State receiving team.

Wide receiver Derrick Williams is versatile. He has the ability to line up all over field and make plays. He is also a return specialist. The defense must be studied up and recognize how he be will used in each down. Consistency is synonymous with Deon Butler. He knows his role and handles it well. Finally, Jordan Norwood is the entertainer of group. He makes big plays, especially downfield.

Penn State has veterans across the board in all areas. Team statistics are at or near the top in many categories in the Big Ten as well as nationally. The Buckeyes will be challenged but can overcome the underdog status. Their ranking does not represent the team that will walk onto the field Saturday night. The statistics from games played this season do not reflect the potential of Ohio State.

The Buckeyes look to reach one of their biggest goals on the season and win a third consecutive outright Big Ten title. Regardless of whether they share the conference title or not, they can also become the first Ohio State team to grab at least four straight league championships since the Buckeyes did it six years in a row (1972-77).

Ohio State is 6-1 in home games under the lights since 1959 and 32-13 in night games all-time. Noted; the Nittany Lions have never won at Ohio Stadium as a Big Ten team. Penn State has lost seven straight at the Horseshoe and its last victory there was 1978.

Coach Jim Tressel is 80-17 in eight seasons at Ohio State; 215-74-2 in his 23rd season overall and is going for his 50th Big Ten victory Saturday.

Just as interesting, the Nittany Lion is literally 20 years older than Coach JoePa.

 A word of caution to all those planning to make the drive from State College, PA:

The best way to prevent Scarlet Fever is to avoid it at all costs.

 

Go Bucks!

BE

 

 

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