Ohio State and Penn State, two of the most storied programs across the country, comprise one of the longest standing rivalries in all of college football. In fact, this rivalry dates all the way back to 1912. The Nittany Lions had their way with the Buckeyes in the early stages of it, but Ohio State has dominated the more recent meetings. In fact, Ohio State has won the last four meetings — marking an undefeated record for head coach Urban Meyer opposite Penn State.
Meyer would like to continue that trend when his Buckeyes take on Penn State in the latest installment of their rivalry. It will certainly be an anticipated affair, as these matchups always are. In fact, it’s certainly that way in terms of ticket sales, as according to data provided by Razorgator, tickets to see Penn State and Ohio State go at it are averaging $138.25, while the get-in price is clocking in at $59. Compared to usual Penn State and Ohio State tickets, these prices should definitely be considered as excellent value. Not only that, fans can save money on their Beaver Stadium parking by going through ParkWhiz.com, which sports cheap parking options all around the venue. They also feature parking at Ohio Stadium for Buckeyes home games as well.
This will be Ohio State’s second straight Big Ten road game, after the Buckeyes managed to barely survive in overtime last week at Wisconsin, 30-23. Quarterback JT Barrett threw for 192 yards and one touchdown, while chipping in two rushing scores. Wisconsin rushed for 236 yards on Ohio State’s defense, which could be an encouraging sign for Penn State if they can get the run-game going.
Last season, Ohio State destroyed the Nittany Lions, 38-10, at the Horseshoe. Barrett accounted for four touchdowns (two passing, two rushing), while current Dallas Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown. While Ohio State lost Elliott to the NFL Draft, running backs Mike Weber (6.8 yards per carry) and Curtis Samuel (8.2 YPC) have picked up the slack. Barrett has been dynamic in the early going, making him a Heisman Trophy hopeful, and their offense collectively has Ohio State fans thinking the team can advance all the way into the College Football Playoff.
The key to this year’s Ohio State-Penn State tilt will be the play of Barrett and Penn State’s sophomore running back Saquon Barkley. Penn State didn’t have an answer for Barrett last season, allowing the dual threat to run and throw his way to an Ohio State victory, and based on how he’s looked in the early going, there may be no stopping him as he continues to contend for the Heisman.
On the Penn State side, expect them to feed Barkley early and often. Over his first six games, Barkley is averaging over 4.5 yards per carry and has scored eight touchdowns. Feeding Barkley, while keeping Ohio State’s dynamic offense off the field, will be huge if Penn State wants to score the upset here. No matter what, though, given the historical rivalry surrounding these two teams, expect a spirited atmosphere in Happy Valley come Saturday.