Thursday, October 23, 2008
College Football Preview Week 9: Penn State@Ohio State
The statistics clearly favor Penn State in their game at Ohio State this weekend. Penn State has the best passing defense in the Big Ten, while Ohio State has the worst passing offense and their total offense, scoring offense and passing efficiency don't match up well either. But, then again, the Buckeyes don't typically win because of their offense. In 2002 when they won the national championship, they ranked 92nd nationally is passing offense and 70th in total offense. They also had one of the worst passing defenses in the country that year. Statistics can back up a point, but they can't be the entire point. And, honestly, the more I look at the stats, the more I dislike Ohio State. They're horrible in the redzone and that includes offense AND defense. Penn State scores touchdowns over 72% of the time while Ohio State takes less than 50% in for six. But, despite my better judgment, I'm choosing Ohio State. I think it's probably obvious to mention turnovers as that's the only category the Buckeyes are doing real well in and that just might determine the outcome of this game. Because if you're looking at sacks, tackles for a loss, tackles for a loss allowed, 3rd down conversions, opponent 3rd down conversion--or basically any stat except for turnovers and time of possession, Penn State easily leads the way. I think this can be the year Ohio State makes it back to the Rose Bowl and let Saturday be the beginning. Beanie Wells just better stay healthy for this one.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Are you crazy with this pick? First of all, you pictured Penn State when you first asked yourself who would win the game? Second, think about the fact that 30 years ago OSU true freshman quarterback Art Schlichter lost his first game at home against Penn State due in large part to his 5 interceptions. That was the last time a true freshman started for the Buckeyes... until this year with Terrelle Pryor. That was also the last time Penn State beat Ohio State in Columbus-- Sept 16, 1978. The parallels make me beyond uncomfortable. Third, everyone at ABC today was talking about how they really like Ohio State in this game and that type of jinxing is going to get the Buckeyes nowhere. And finally, can you actually believe that this Penn State team isn't going to end up in a BCS bowl? If the Buckeyes win and go to the Rose Bowl, then that is likely what will happen. Yet, you see the Nittany Lions playing in a BCS bowl so I'm not sure how you think this is going to work out? I just hope you're right about the Buckeyes.
Post a Comment