Big Ten Title Shots At Stake As No. 11 Penn State Faces No. 15 Ohio State

Sports News - November 5th, 2009 - Written by Scott

In Big Ten action on Saturday, No. 15 Ohio State will travel to play No. 11 Penn State in a crucial game that could have an impact on the conference standings. Both teams are tied for second in the Big Ten behind Iowa. The Buckeyes will get their shot at Iowa next week, but will need to get past the Nittany Lions in Happy Valley first. Penn State (8-1, 4-1) is coming off their 34-13 win over Northwestern and Ohio State (7-2, 4-1) beat New Mexico State 45-0. The Buckeyes will look to avenge their 13-6 loss last year to Penn State.

Ohio State's offense has been up and down all year. They are led by their dual-threat quarterback Terrelle Pryor who is dangerous both through the air and on the ground. He has passed for 1,534 yards and 13 touchdowns this year, but has 9 interceptions. He is the team's leading rusher as well and has 554 yards and 6 touchdowns. Their running back group is led by DeVier Posey who has rushed for 439 yards. The Buckeyes have two playmakers at receiver in DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher. Together, they have combined for 1,055 yards and 12 touchdowns. The key for Ohio State will be keeping Pryor on an even kill, as his emotions have gotten the best of him at times this year.

The Buckeyes have continued to force turnovers this year and will need to do so again on Saturday. They are strong at linebacker where Ross Homan and Brian Rolle have combined for 134 tackles this season.

Penn State's offense has been rolling and they have scored over 34 points in four of their past five games. They are led by quarterback Daryll Clark. Clark has passed for 2,158 yards and 18 touchdowns. Their running attack has been strong and is getting great production from Evan Royster who has rushed for 859 yards and 5 touchdowns. They are led at receiver by Derek Moye. Moye has 648 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns. It will be important for Penn State to establish the run against the Buckeyes' strong front four.

The Nittany Lions must find a way contain Pryor on Saturday. They have done a great job in stopping their opponents and are only allowing 9.3 points per game.

Penn State will be favored at home by 3 1/2 over Ohio State according to BetUS sportsbook with an over/under set at 39 1/2. This is must-win game for both schools as they look to move their way up not only in the conference, but in the NCAA College Football Standings.
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