COLUMBUS – Saturday’s Big Ten clash of titans between Ohio State and Penn State will determine – for now – the leader of the Big Ten East and leaves the winner in strong position for a top spot when the season’s first College Football Playoff rankings are released next week.
There are battles within the battle, however, that pit two offensive stars against two tough defenses.
No. 6 Ohio St. (6-1, 4-0) vs. No. 2 Penn St. (7-0, 4-0), Ohio Stadium, Oct. 28 (3:30 p.m./FOX)
One of the biggest challenges for Ohio State on Saturday will be trying to slow down Heisman Trophy contender Saquon Barkley.
The big junior is just as dangerous coming out of the backfield as a receiver as he is running the ball. He is the first Penn State player in history to gain 3,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards passing.
Ohio State defenders say they will have to account for him every play and hit him hard whenever they can.
The Nittany Lions defense, on the other hand, will have to control Buckeye senior quarterback J.T. Barrett.
Barrett, who has rewritten the record books for Ohio State QB’s, accounted for seven touchdowns in a 56-14 win at Nebraska and is completing 72 percent of his passes for 1,351 yards, 18 touchdowns and no interceptions during the Buckeyes’ five-game win streak.
Penn State leads the nation in pass efficiency defense, having allowed 5.2 yards per attempt, three touchdowns and 168 yards a game with nine interceptions.
Coach James Franklin’s team also relies on a deep passing game, with receivers winning one-on-one matchups, to loosen up the line of scrimmage for Barkley.
The Nittany Lions are hoping to exploit some mismatches with big targets like Mike Gesicki and Juwan Johnson when they face No. 6 Ohio State.
The Buckeyes had some issues early dealing with those one-on-one matchups, but its defensive backs seem to be improving as the season goes.