Ohio State writer struggles to find path to win over Penn State football

We’re mere days away from the colossal Penn State-Ohio State game. Saturday’s matchup between the No. 7 Nittany Lions and No. 3 Buckeyes has all the makings of an instant classic. In Columbus, Buckeyes fans are rightfully confident heading into this game. Ohio State has won 12 of the last 15 contests between the two programs, including six in a row and five consecutive at home. But one Ohio State writer is pumping the brakes on the bravado a bit, noting that “all signs” point to a Penn State football win this weekend.

Ohio State writer questions if Buckeyes can hang with Nittany Lions

On the surface, it seems like Ohio State should have all the momentum heading into Saturday. The Buckeyes have dominated the series over the Nittany Lions in the James Franklin era. Ohio State comes into the game as the higher-ranked team. Ryan Day’s squad has been tested, winning in dramatic fashion on the road vs then-No. 9 Notre Dame. The Buckeyes expect a ruckus crowd to welcome a Penn State team that has seen its fits and starts on the road this year.

While it may not be a shoo-in Ohio State victory, the Buckeyes should have the upper hand going into this game, right? Not so fast. Matt Galatzan, Managing Editor for Ohio State’s Sports Illustrated team site, writes that the Buckeyes may struggle to hang with Penn State football.

In short, Galatzan’s piece, which you can find here, points to the Nittany Lion defense as a primary point of concern. Penn State football leads the nation in total defense and is allowing only eight points per game. He writes that Manny Diaz presents a major challenge to the Buckeyes offense, which he says has been inconsistent all year and is battling several key injuries coming into the game.

All said, Galatzan struggles to see a path to victory for the Buckeyes this weekend. “…While history favors the Buckeyes over the last few seasons, all signs point to a Penn State win in Columbus,” he writes.

Penn State-Ohio State game is shaping up to be epic

While ultimately, Galatzan may not be alone in favoring Penn State football this weekend, he may be one of the few to be so bold in discussing the potential flaws for the Buckeyes.

The anticipation has been building for this game for some time, as many Nittany Lions fans think this could finally be the year to get a win over Ryan Day in Columbus. The Buckeyes currently sit as slight favorites in this game. But with several recent contests coming down to the wire, all the game-week fodder goes out the window once the ball kicks off Saturday.

The Penn State-Ohio State game will kick off Saturday at noon on FOX.

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