3. The Ohio State defense will steal the show
With weather forecasts calling for rain and chilly temperatures come Saturday, expect both defenses to have the upper hand. Defending the run will be a priority for both, and the Buckeyes have been stellar at stopping the run.
Ohio State ranks No. 14 nationally in defending the run. The Buckeyes are giving up just 109.6 yards per game on the ground. Right behind them at No. 17 in rush defense is Penn State, allowing 115.3 yards per game. With conditions that could be sub-optimal for throwing the ball, the team that defends the run better, will most likely win.
The talent across the Buckeyes’ defensive line is second to none. Ohio State has depth and NFL-level talent in the defensive trenches. Defensive end Nick Bosa has recorded four sacks and 10 tackles-for-losses. Tyquan Lewis has been an anchor inside and has six tackles-for-losses. He needs just three more sacks to move into the top-five all-time on the Buckeyes’ charts.
Defensive end Sam Hubbard has added five tackles-for-losses. Needless to say, this will be Barkley’s stiffest challenge and I expect the Ohio State front four to make it a priority to get after McSorely in the passing game.
Meyer knows that defense may very-well determine the outcome. I expect a focused and determined effort. Here’s predicting that the Ohio State defensive unit will out-shine their Nittany Lions counterparts, forcing more turnovers, and allowing less yards (and points) in a near-dominating performance.