Welcome back, Penn State fans!
The annual Penn State versus Ohio State is here.
The Nittany Lions will take on No. 1 Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio, for a “Dark Night in the Shoe” primetime matchup at The Horseshoe.
The Buckeyes are riding a 19-game winning streak and have won the last three meetings between the two football programs. Last season, Penn State fell short in a thrilling double overtime game in Happy Valley against Ohio State, despite overcoming an early 17-point deficit in the first half. Penn State has reeled off five straight wins–all at home–and will carry momentum and confidence into one of its biggest games on the 2015 calendar.
Christian Hackenberg flashed dual-threat capabilities last week, picking up two rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, Ohio State actually boasts dual threats at quarterback in Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett. At 6-0, the Buckeyes have faced some early adversities, notable in the first half of games, but this team is talented at nearly every position. Many of the key pieces from last year’s game are slated to hit the field in this matchup. The Nittany Lions will undoubtedly need to put forth their best four quarters of football to hang on with the Buckeyes in a hostile environment that awaits them.
For those of looking to observe from a distance, find all the must-have media information you’ll need for tonight’s matchup:
Kickoff: 8 p.m. Eastern Time
Television: ABC — Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst); Heather Cox (sideline)
Radio: Local: 93.7 FM and 1450 AM | Sirius: Ch. 81 and XM: Ch. 81
Weather: Clear skies, with a cold breeze is expected. A high of 49 degrees, with temperatures dipping to about 42 degrees around kickoff is the current forecast.
Last Time They Met: Ohio State 31-24 2OT. Hackenberg and then-freshman receiver DaeSean Hamilton connecting 14 times for 126 yards, en route to a 31-for-49, 221-yard outing by Hackenberg, with two interceptions. Defensive end Anthony Zettel picked off one of his team season-high three interceptions, but his defense couldn’t contain quarterback J.T. Barrett who broke loose for two overtime touchdowns to secure the win for the eventual national champions. Ezekiel Elliott piled up 109 yards on 26 carries and a touchdown against one of the toughest rush defenses in the nation.
Injuries: Is Saquon Barkley making his return to the field? James Franklin said the doctors have already made the call but both the media and Urban Meyer will be left in the dark on that decision until the Nittany Lions hit the field. The season debut of highly-recruited tight end Adam Breneman appears imminent, as he dressed for last week’s game versus Indiana and Franklin said Breneman took larger role in practice this week. Breneman hasn’t played a game since 2013, missing the 2014 season due to an injury sustained in training camp. Among the other concerning Penn State injuries: Akeel Lynch, Angelo Mangiro, Andrew Nelson and Chris Gulla.
Media Coverage: For additional live coverage, follow Ben (@Ben_Jones88) and Mike Poorman (@PSUPoorman) on Twitter. In the meantime, you can get up to speed on Penn State football with plenty of coverage below:
StateCollege.com:
Urban And Joe And OB And James
Big Ten Roundup As Conference Foes Clash On And off The Field
Third Quarter Perhaps The Most Important Quarter Of The Week
Game Note Highlights Ohio State Week
