Devon from Nittany White Out was kind enough to offer his thoughts on the upcoming game and season for Penn State.
1. Right now, how do you feel about where Penn State is as a team?
I think this is a rebuilding year of sorts. Other than a couple players along the lines, literally the entire team is back next year, and it's been generally accepted that 2011 will be Penn State's big run at a Big Ten or National Championship. But the fans who were so willing to write this team off at 3-3 have come flocking back as the Nittany Lions have put together 3 wins in a row. I think it's still an inconsistent team that, when at its best, can hang with anyone in the conference--the second half against Northwestern and the first half against Michigan were just phenomenal performances on all fronts (we outscored the opposition 56-10!)--but the team has been unable to maintain that level for a full game.
2. Penn State has some weapons to use on offense. Overall as a team, who is the leader, the one they build around to win games?
Well, this is a fun question, because most Penn State fans would tell you it's Matt McGloin--the former walk-on quarterback who's led this team to the last 3 wins--but I'm much less of a believer. The real answer is Evan Royster, who's come alive over that same span. Two weeks ago, he became Penn State's all-time leading rusher, and last week he ran for more than 130 yards. The x-factor is true freshman back Silas Redd, who ran for 130 yards himself on all of 11 carries. The kid has some ridiculous open field moves and could break a huge run at any time.
3. What has to happen for Ohio State to beat PSU, and vice versa?
Penn State is going to have to play it's best game of the season. That's not even a question. Most Nittany Lion fans, before the season, counted the Ohio State game as a loss, along with the Alabama and Iowa matchups. We lost each of those tilts by 24-3 margins, but played sloppily. We weren't wrapping up defensively, and turned the ball over on offense. Penn State is going to have to contain Terrelle Pryor--not let him escape the pocket--but also force at least one turnover, something they've had trouble doing. And when Penn State has the ball, they'll have to take some chances. The last few weeks we've seen a significantly scaled back playbook, but you can't dink and dunk your way down the field against the Ohio State defense.
4. There are some pretty intimidating stadiums, but which is louder, Happy Valley or The 'Shoe?
The 'Beav. Come on, now. Even your own players admit it! The only other stadiums comparable are Autzen and Death Valley (LSU, not Clemson).
5. How will Penn State finish the season? (W/L, Bowl)
I doubt Penn State will beat the Buckeyes, but Indiana should be a gimme, especially since IU sold the home game to Fedex Field, where we'll see almost exclusively Penn State fans. We finish the year with Michigan State, which is really a toss up game. I want to see how the Spartans rebound from that hideous loss to Iowa before I pick a winner, but I think Penn State can win that. If so, we'll finish 3rd, 4th, or 5th in the Big Ten--and I'd love to match up against Arkansas, South Carolina or Florida in a Florida bowl.
6. This series has been back and forth a couple of times, where both have had signature wins. Do you think this is a good rivalry?
Oh, I think it's a great rivalry. It's certainly the biggest one for the Penn State fanbase, probably because Ohio State is the only Big Ten school within driving distance for most of us (and because our league mandated rival, Michigan State, fails to engender as much vitriol). But beyond that, it's been a de facto Big Ten championship game in 3 of the last 5 seasons, and most games have been especially hard fought. The 2005 game is one of the best moments in the storied history of Penn State football, and that's one of a few games wedged in our collective consciousnesses--we especially like 1994, when we beat you 63-14, and 2001, when Penn State overcame a 18-point deficit to earn Joe Paterno his 324th win, passing Bar Bryant for the most all time.
7. Do you think Joe Paterno is the coach for the next 5 years?
If Joe's still coaching in 2015, I'll...I don't know. Give me some ridiculous bet, and I'll take it. I know, it's always foolish to count out Joe, but he'll be pushing 90 then. His contract runs out after next season, and I don't see him staying past then. There was some building pressure--after that 33-13 loss to Illinois--for him to step aside after this season, but I think he's back next year for one last run.
8. Jim Tressel - What do you think of him?
I like him more than most Penn State fans--it seems like he's a relatively classy guy, but that could just be the sweater vests. They just exude intelligence and panache. I feel like he's probably cheating, somehow, but he's managed to avoid the NCAA violations, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Obviously, you can't discount the tremendous success he's had at Ohio State, but that's mitigated, in part, by some of the big-game struggles. I think he's the right coach for Ohio State, but wouldn't necessarily fit what we're trying to do in State College.
9. What is Penn State playing for Saturday? (other than a win over Ohio State)
Other than jockeying bowl positioning in a pretty meaningless season? Really, not much, but I don't have to tell you about the importance of a win in a rivalry game. There's plenty of pride on the line, too--the 17-point spread has to feel like a slap in the face to a program that felt it had earned more respect than that.
10. Finally, who wins and why?
Ohio State should win, because Penn State isn't a team that pulls off big road upsets too often. It'll probably be a game that ends up closer played than the final score--maybe a 27-13 or 31-17 final score with Penn State struggling early, catching their legs, but never quite threatening for the win.
