PSU Prediction: Ohio State too fast, talented for Lions

The Ohio State Buckeyes are younger than ever but maybe just as good as always.

Inexperience may not matter much with head coach Urban Meyer's prodigious recruiting and his all-star coaching staff.

And when you possess quarterback J.T. Barrett and an absurd collection of speed on both sides of the ball, most deficiencies can be erased.

That's what the undefeated and No. 2 Buckeyes will throw at Penn State Saturday under the lights in Beaver Stadium. This will be the fastest and probably most complete team the improving Nittany Lions will play all season.

It should help the Lions' cause to perform in front of a white out crowd of more than 100,000. Same for how they could get a lot healthier this week with the possible return of starting linebackers Brandon Bell and Jason Cabinda.

The Lions' offense is finally showing promise too, especially since quarterback Trace McSorley has been making better decisions on when to run and throw.

There is more hope to keep things close in the second half and make a run at a victory then there was a few weeks ago.

Hope, though, probably will only get you so far.

That's because the Buckeyes come at opponents harder and faster than most anyone else, and in waves. Plus, Meyer just doesn't ever really lose away from home (more on that later).

First, let's first take a look at the most important bullet-point items for the Nittany Lions before their most severe challenge.

Key matchup

PSU linebackers vs. Ohio State run game: The Nittany Lions tackled superbly two years ago when they pushed Barrett and the Buckeyes to double overtime. Linebacker Mike Hull led in high-pursuit throughout, much like Paul Posluszny did against Ohio State in 2005.

But Barrett is better than ever and works well with multi-use receiver/runner Curtis Samuel. The big question: Who will tackle them before they routinely rip off big plays and ruin the night?

That answer starts with the Penn State linebackers, including former walk-on Brandon Smith. He and his younger teammates will be tested like never before, including sophomores Manny Bowen and Koa Farmer, the recently-converted safety. The situation improves some if Cabinda and Bell finally return, as expected.

Cabinda is a steady performer and a hard hitter who knows his assignments well. He possesses the necessary experience. Bell owns that and more as the defense's top playmaker.

The key is to make the Buckeyes drive long fields, which at least helps limit Barrett's quick-strike ability.

Key player

Penn State: Saquon Barkley. The kid made a national name for himself by torching the Buckeyes for 194 rushing yards last year at the Horseshoe — not including a 40-yard touchdown run wiped out by penalty.

Don't expect that kind of input this time. The Ohio State defense will be gunning for him from the start. But Barkley must be involved early and often and possibly more in the pass game. He is the Lions' top talent and must carry his team at some point Saturday night to give them a chance.

If anything, Ohio State's defense is appearing more vulnerable against the run game. The Lions' new offense must find a way to take advantage, and early on, to keep their team and fans in this.

Ohio State: Barrett should definitely receive Heisman Trophy consideration. He's not only a strong, fast runner and thrives even more in short-yardage situations. He's a gifted thrower, as well, despite some lapses in decision-making.

But that's picking. He beat Penn State with his legs in overtime two years ago and ran wild on them during last year's lopsided victory in Columbus.

He's the reason they were able to come back and stomp on Wisconsin in overtime last weekend. No one is better at buying time with his legs before throwing downfield and finding open receivers.

Key stat

21: That's Meyer's winning streak in true road games as Ohio State's head coach. And that is unheard of. His teams are never intimidated and always find a way in hostile environments.

And yet all streaks, no matter how impressive, must end. Will it be this year with one of his youngest teams ever?

Prediction

The first mode of operation for the Lions will be to start fast and keep the crowd in it. If they can score early and repeatedly win field position they should be able to keep the Buckeyes from running away with things in the first half.

And that is the key. The Lions do have the weapons on offense to put up points on this Ohio State defense. The bigger challenge figures to be slowing Barrett and company with the ball. The  Lions absolutely cannot afford to give that offense short fields to work with because of turnovers or poor special teams play.

Though the Buckeyes may be beat up a bit after that overtime struggle in Wisconsin, they also figure to have gained crucial confidence.

And they still appear too fast and talented for Penn State to handle for four quarters, even at home. Most importantly, they own a significant advantage up front on both sides of the ball, which usually determines the outcome more than most anything.

Ohio State 40, Penn State 24

Saturday's kickoff

What: No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) at Penn State (4-2, 2-1)

When: 8 p.m., Saturday

Where: Beaver Stadium (106,572)

TV: WHTM Channel 27

Radio: WSBA-910 AM, WGLD-1440

The Line: Ohio State by 19.5

THE SERIES

Ohio State leads, 18-13

(Last four meetings)

2015: Ohio State 38, Penn State 10

2014: Ohio State 31, Penn State 24 (2 OT)

2013: Ohio State 63, Penn State 14

1992: Ohio State 35, Penn State 23

COACHES AT A GLANCE

Urban Meyer continues to distinguish himself as not only arguably the top college coach going but one of the best of all-time. He's 56-4 since taking over the Buckeyes, which came after he already won a national title at Florida. And a key to it all is his staff, which is more high-powered than ever. It includes former college and NFL head coach Greg Schiano leading the defense and former Penn State star defensive line coach Larry Johnson doing the same at OSU.  

James Franklin is still searching for that defining victory against Ohio State and Michigan and even Michigan State. But first things first. He genuinely seems to have his team improving by the week which is another key step in the rebuilding process. Will that process take a hit this weekend? Probably so. But that should not warrant much concern, at least not for now.

2016 STAT COMPARISON

PSU                                                 OSU

30.5                Points per game           49.3

239.3              Pass yards per game     216

152.2                Rush yards per game     300.5

391.5              Total yards per game      516.5

172.7               Pass yards allowed        159.5

208.8                Rush yards allowed        120.8

381.5              Total yards allowed          280.3

28.5                  Points allowed                 12.8 

1.8               Turnovers per game         1.0

1.5               Turnovers forced per game  2.3