Ohio State @ Penn State - Game One of Big Ten Playoffs?

By Adam Kiefaber

Sorry.

Wish I could tell that this will be the last time you hear, see or read this statement, but I have to write it - ‘The last time the Buckeyes lost to a Big Ten opponent was in 2005 against Penn State.’

Get ready to hear that over and over again all day and all night on Saturday. And if Buckeyes happen to lose, get prepared to hear that statement on Sportscenter for at least a week.

But for now, let’s squash it - It isn’t 2005 - both of these teams are different. Penn State is worse and Ohio State is unproven.

One thing that is certain - both these teams are very similar. Especially when you compare statistics -

OSU averages 423.6 yards (225.1 passing and 198.5 rushing) per game while Penn State averages 419.5 (233.3 passing and 186.3 rushing).

Ohio State averages 34.3 points per game and Penn State scores 33.1.

Both teams have two receivers that have just over 30 catches each, running backs Rodney Kinlaw and Chris Wells have identical numbers and both teams have starting quarterbacks with seven interceptions each.

Penn State has a freshman tailback [Evan Royster] that is on the rise and so does OSU [Brandon Saine].

PSU has a great linebacker [Dan Conner] and Ohio State could have the best [James Laurinaitis].

Both teams have great pass rushers and top-ten defenses.

However, the teams do not share the same record.

OSU is 8-0 and PSU is 6-2, but to the Nittany Lions credit the team has been dominating at home.

On the road, PSU is 1-2 with loses coming at Michigan and Illinois (two teams that OSU has not played). In those three games, PSU has been outscored 72 to 65.

In Happy Valley, PSU has outscored its opponents by the score of 200 to 48. In those five games, Penn State coasted to victories - the notables being wins over Iowa (27-7) and Wisconsin (38-7).

That being said, a Buckeyes win at Penn State won’t come easy.

If the Buckeyes win, then there will be three other Big Ten “playoff” games to go before another chance for a national title.

Prediction

Ohio State 21, Penn State 10

Both defenses will make plays, but I believe that OSU has the better one.