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Ohio State Football: 3 keys to victory vs. Penn State in Week 13

By Dante Pryor

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes waits with his team to take the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes waits with his team to take the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

3. Eliminate big plays

Penn State’s offense is built around the big play. Their five leading rushers all have runs of over 25 yards. Their top five receivers have catches over 25 yards as well. We’ll talk more in depth about Chase Young later, but Ohio State has to limit the explosive play ability of Penn State.

Offensively, Penn State will go stretches without moving the ball, and suddenly explode for a 50-yard run or 50-yard bomb downfield.

Ohio State can’t give Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford time to let those plays develop. Ohio State needs to generate that pass rush, and guess who’s coming back? That’s right, Young.

Penn State is going to have difficulty giving Clifford time to let downfield routes develop. The Buckeyes are going to dare the Nittany Lions to drive 75 yards consistently and they won’t be able to do it.

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