Ohio State Football: Urban Meyer believes revenge could factor vs. Penn State

Urban Meyer didn’t beat around the bush when asked about his Ohio State football team using revenge as a motivating factor vs. Penn State.

In a game sure to have plenty of Big Ten and national championship implications, the Buckeyes are seeking redemption for a loss last year in Happy Valley.

“You’ve got to figure you’re dealing with youngsters,” Meyer said. “Is revenge a motivator? Hell yeah, it is. I’m not saying this will be it. There have been times we used it and we looked silly using it, and there are times it worked. I don’t know yet. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday isn’t about that; it’s about execution of a game plan and focus.”

Roles were slightly reversed last year, it was Ohio State entering ranked second in the nation and unbeaten. Penn State, unranked at the time, scored a 24-21 victory after a blocked field goal was returned by Grant Haley for a touchdown.

The Nittany Lions have won their last 13 regular season games including that victory over the Buckeyes. They are 14-1 overall since that triumph, losing only to Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl last year.

Saquon Barkley, the leading contender for the Heisman this year, rushed for 99 yards the last time he faced OSU. Trace McSorley had 154 yards passing, 63 yards rushing and two combined touchdowns.

“I wouldn’t say we can really talk about how we changed because that was last year’s team; this is a new team,” Barkley said. “Obviously we have a lot of guys coming back, but that is last year. That season is in the past, and this season is here, and we are able to get a good start going.”

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: First round after Week 8

This is the first of two critical road games for Penn State, as they head to East Lansing next weekend to face No. 16 Michigan State. Could the Buckeyes exact revenge against the Nittany Lions or will Penn State win two in a row against Ohio State?