Penn State, Robinson ready for No. 4 Buckeyes

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Getting caught up in the pregame hype surrounding Saturday’s game at No. 4 Ohio State is one catch Penn State receiver Allen Robinson would prefer not to make.

”I’d say it’s one of the bigger games I’ve played in, but I try not to think too much about that,” Robinson said. ”I take each practice day and get better and prepare for this game like any other game.”

Still, Robinson is well aware that a night game in Columbus against an Urban Meyer-coached Buckeyes team that has won 19 straight is typically a circled game on the schedule. The teams have played under the lights four times since 2005, with each team winning twice.

”We know it’s a big game, and it’s definitely one of the games we want to win,” Robinson said. ”I wouldn’t say it’s the win streak. Even if they had a loss or a couple of losses, it’s definitely a game you want to get. I mean, it’s Penn State-Ohio State, and it doesn’t really get much better than that.”

Robinson leads the Big Ten in receptions with 43 and is second in yardage with 705. He will match up with Ohio State’s star-studded defensive backfield, led by Bradley Roby and C.J. Barnett.

”They’re hard-nosed corners,” Robinson said. ”They’re definitely an aggressive group. They play fast, and they’re one of the better secondaries we’ve played.

”Roby is definitely one of the better cornerbacks in our league so it’s definitely going to be a challenge, but as a receiver, you kind of get excited to play.”

Penn State is 0-9 against Top 5 teams since 1999 , but the Nittany Lions (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten) are rested and healthy after a bye week that followed a high-pressure, four-overtime 43-40 victory over Michigan. Robinson said that win should help freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg handle Saturday’s atmosphere.

”We had to stay focused, we had to string plays together down the stretch to give ourselves a shot,” he said. ”It helps us going into a game like this, knowing we can string plays together when we need them in a big-game situation and a gotta-have-it situation.”

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