No. 3 Ohio State looks to keep winning streak going at Iowa

More than The Rushmen: Ohio State wanted to make Saquon Barkley dance. The pass cleared a jumping linebacker and hit Baugh in stride as the Buckeyes rallied from a 35-20 deficit to beat Penn State 39-38 at Ohio Stadium. With four weeks left in the regular season, there’s plenty of football left to be played. “Be sure that we were (all) still taking the same approach”. There’s a lot of football left. And it was even better to see the helmets.I was trying to concentrate on what we were doing but I just kept looking at those helmets.

While fans might be disappointed about Penn State being ranked seventh in the first CFP poll of this season, the Lions (4-1 Big Ten, 7-1) didn’t seem to be bothered. At the same time, the Spartans (6-2, 4-2) dropped their second game of the season in triple-overtime to Northwestern on the road. So is Penn State’s defense as good as previously advertised, or was it exploited by the Buckeyes? However, Barkley’s lack of production aside from those two plays took some of the steam out of his Heisman run, and the game also saw Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett jump into the conversation in a big way.

Michigan State has played mostly tight, low-scoring games of late – and that includes the Northwestern game, which was high-scoring only because of the overtimes.

Senior Brendan Mahon has played both tackle spots earlier in his career, but Franklin said during Penn State’s bye week that he would prefer to keep him at right guard as to not create another switch for the unit. If Iowa can keep the Buckeyes’ offense off the field with long drives, its odds improve.

There’s no offense in the Big Ten tougher to stop that Ohio State’s.

Can Michigan State’s defense prevent explosive plays? The Hoosiers are the only team to face that many this season, and they and West Virginia are the only teams to play five ranked opponents. “Do we need to get a more consistent pass rush on defense? Yes”.

Ohio State has not had many long days when it comes to stopping the run.

Meyer said he met with assistants to try to solve some lingering problems with Ohio State’s special teams, which he described this week as “a joke”.

Penn State QB Trace McSorley has thrown a touchdown pass in 23 straight games. I have them solidifying the 3rd spot in the Final 4 after a convincing win in the Big 10 championship against the Badgers from Wisconsin. As usual, the Hawkeyes have a good offensive line, and they won’t be totally overwhelmed by OSU’s fearsome defensive line. “They’re a smash-mouth offense”. Fuller leads Ohio State with 42 total tackles through eight games. Holding onto the ball, literally, will be a key factor. “That’s an extra element, and that’s what makes Penn State good”.

“It’s a point of emphasis and a point of frustration”, Dantonio said.

The challenge has been laid down for Penn State’s offensive line. “Those are my guys and whatever we can do to help the team win, we’re ready to do”. “I can just tell you it’s on everybody’s mind”. Brian Lewerke might not be flashy, but he’s thrown 14 touchdowns to just four interceptions this season and could pick apart Penn State’s secondary if he’s given protection up front. He had 36 negative rushing yards. “I think they’re getting better”. “Maybe on kickoffs you could a little bit”. The Buckeyes defense wanted him to get the ball, search for a crease, but never find one. “He’s a great back”.

“I do know this: If we are going to have a chance to win, we are going to have to be there in the fourth quarter and that’s going to be easier said than done”. We played him before.