Tough Penn State Environment Will Test J.T. Barrett, Young Ohio State Team

J.T. Barrett and No. 13 Ohio State will hit the road this Saturday to face one of the country’s stingiest defenses in a matchup against Penn State.

The Nittany Lions—fueled by outstanding linebacker Mike Hull—have a formidable defensive front. Opposing offenses have withered against the unit, as Penn State ranks first nationally in run defense and sixth overall in scoring and total defense.

But the toughest challenge for Urban Meyer’s young team might not be on the field, but surrounding it.

According to James Grega of The Lantern, Meyer has the Buckeyes preparing for the toughest and most hostile road environment they’ll see all season.

“This is one of those ones that is one of the top 10, really top five in the country places,” Meyer said, via Grega. “It is hard to get ready for this one but we have had some good practices and the one thing about our setup out here (is) we can get some noise pumped in pretty good.”

That noise has been simulated in practice—piped through big speakers to get the team ready for the deafening and unwavering roar that will ring through their helmets for three-and-a-half hours Saturday night.

Penn State and its famed “White Out” have thwarted Ohio State in the past. Back in 2005, the sixth-ranked Buckeyes made the trip to Happy Valley to face off against the Nittany Lions under the lights. Troy Smith and an explosive offense were overwhelmed by the atmosphere in a 17-10 loss.

After the game,…

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