Penn State Football: Ranking 2019 opponents by toughness

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass for a touchdown against the Kent State Golden Flashes during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 15, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: KJ Hamler #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions can’t make the catch against Isaiah Pryor #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 29, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

The Buckeyes top the list for toughest game on Penn State’s schedule and for good reason. Urban Meyer may be gone but it is not like he left the cupboard bare on the way out. The Buckeyes are arguably the most talented team in the Big Ten.

New quarterback Justin Fields won’t be Dwayne Haskins right away. But by the time this matchup rolls around in late November, Fields should be a well adjusted leader of the Buckeye offense.

Last year’s defense was not terrible but not what we typically see from that side of the ball in Columbus. Expect this season for them to round back into form.

Next. Top 30 skill position players for 2019 season. dark

The last two matchups have ended in heartbreak for the Lions, both one point losses in games they had late leads. Can the Lions get over the Buckeye hurdle and win in Columbus for the first time since 2011? Highly doubtful.

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