November 6, 2009

Tom Dienhart
Rivals.com College Football

Let's call Ohio State's game at Penn State a Big Ten elimination bout. It's also about earning respect. Ohio State and Penn State are alive in the Big Ten race, but neither has a victory over a ranked team.

"The consequences of winning or losing are obvious to everybody, but you can't go at it that way," said Penn State coach Joe Paterno, whose team won 13-6 at Ohio State last season. "We've got to concentrate on doing the best we can against Ohio State. It's not going to be an easy situation for us because they are solid. They are very, very solid, and they've gotten better and I keep referring to the fact that they're doing a heck of a job coaching."

Penn State has lost to Iowa. But the Nittany Lions still could claim a share of the title by winning out - Penn State plays host to Indiana and travels to Michigan State - and hoping Ohio State beats Iowa next week in Columbus. Under that scenario, Iowa would go to the Rose Bowl based on its victory over Penn State.

If Ohio State prevails over Penn State, then beats Iowa and Michigan, the Buckeyes would forge at least a tie for the league title and advance to the Rose Bowl by holding the tiebreaker over Iowa.

The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions are looking for a marquee victory. The Buckeyes have lost at home to USC (18-15) and fallen at Purdue (26-18). The Buckeyes' best win was a 31-13 victory at home over Wisconsin. Penn State's best win? Probably a 35-10 triumph at Michigan, which is 1-4 in the Big Ten. Impressive? No.

Needless to say, a win in this game would add credibility and cachet to either team's lackluster resume.

This figures to be a defensive battle. Penn State is ranked No. 5 in the nation in total defense, while Ohio State is No. 6. Which offense is best equipped to succeed? It looks to be Penn State's, which ranks No. 1 in the Big Ten and has good run-pass balance led by quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster. And Penn State enters this game on a roll. Since losing at home to Iowa, the Nittany Lions have ripped off five victories in a row.

Conversely, Ohio State enters this game with the No. 6 offense in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes' offense has struggled for several reasons. The line hasn't developed chemistry nor has it been physical. That has negatively impacted the rushing attack. But it's the passing game that really lags, ranking 94th in the nation. Sophomore Terrelle Pryor has struggled, casting doubts about his ability to develop into a top-flight quarterback. And as Pryor returns to his home state to face a school he spurned, he's a bit dinged up after last week's rout of New Mexico State.

"No, I would expect him not to be debilitated," said Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, whose team faces a defense that hasn't yielded more than 21 points in a game this season. "Adrenaline is an amazing thing, even when you're feeling a little bit sore or what-not. All of a sudden, the blood starts flowing and the lights are turned on and it's time to go. ... He'll be ready."

Pryor better be. Ohio State's season is on the line - and so is Penn State's.

Tom Dienhart is the national senior writer for Rivals.com. He can be reached at dienhart@yahoo-inc.com.