Though the matchup has lost some of its luster, Penn State is set to face No. 1 Ohio State in Columbus on Saturday out of a bye week.
On Wednesday, the media was given a brief view nto practice as the Nittany Lions prepared for their most difficult opponent to date.
Here’s what went down.
Defensive end depth
Penn State defensive ends Zuriah Fisher and Jaylen Harvey, who were absent during last week’s viewing window, returned to practice and appeared fully active.
Fisher, who’s started every game this season, left in the first half against Iowa, while Harvey, who’s appeared in a rotational role, was listed as out on the pregame availability report.
When asked earlier this week, interim head coach Terry Smith said he had no updates about their status but “fully anticipates those guys will be back at some point.”
Their participation indicates they’ll both be ready to go against the Buckeyes, alleviating concerns about depth at the position.
Smolik’s status
Quarterback Jaxon Smolik, who appeared for 11 snaps against the Hawkeyes exclusively in two-quarterback sets, left in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be a severe injury.
The offense wasn’t available during last week’s practice viewing while working on what Smith called “a new install,” but Smolik was available on Wednesday.
However, starter Ethan Grunkemeyer and true freshmen Bekkem Kritza appeared to get a majority of the reps, while Smolik spent time away from the pair working on shorter throws. Though he was moving fluidly, Smolik appeared to be limited in his participation, indicating he might not be available on Saturday.
Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki said last week that Penn State will continue incorporating two-quarterback looks, given Smolik is active. If he can’t go, Grunkemeyer will likely be the only quarterback to see the field in a return to his home state of Ohio for his second college start.
Kotelnicki, quarterbacks coach Danny O’Brien and assistant Trace McSorley, all wearing gameday headsets, were heavily involved with the unit and offered instructions as the quarterbacks worked with tight ends and wide receivers on short to intermediate routes.
Drayton’s directions
Near the end of the viewing window, running backs coach Stan Drayton worked with his unit on a blocking drill, which required pushing over three tackle dummies with upward force.
“Finish with power. Work your uppercut,” Drayton said. “Work in a right foot stagger, punch through with an uppercut … take your time, it’s not a race.”
Senior Nick Singleton was first through the drill, followed by Kaytron Allen, with both earning praise from Drayton.
