Penn State’s 22-point victory over Indiana has the program and its fan base feeling good heading into Saturday night’s Big Ten meeting with defending national champ Ohio State in Columbus. Junior Christian Hackenberg and the Lions’ passing game clicked against the Hoosiers as the quarterback threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns and No. 14 also ran for two touchdowns. PSU tested IU deep early and Hackenberg and the receivers were able to make plays down the field. But while it’s easy to focus on the offense with Urban Meyer’s unbeaten Buckeyes up next, there was another encouraging sign: James Franklin’s defense, coordinated by Bob Shoop, allowed a long gain of just 20 yards on 62 snaps. That’s an impressive stat — one explosive play — given the way the game is played today. In fact, it reminded a little bit of another PSU defensive performance, an even better one. The Lions lost to Ohio State 31-24 last year in double overtime but Shoop’s defense turned in a tremendous effort, limiting the eventual national champs to 293 yards). PSU scored a defensive touchdown on an Anthony Zettel interception and the Lions’ defenders never let any of Ohio State’s skill players break free for big yards after initial contact. Meyer’s offense, which featured quarterback J.T. Barrett, running back Ezekiel Elliott and wideouts Devin Smith, Michael Thomas and Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson, were held to a long gain of just 21 yards (a Barrett rush) and the Buckeyes picked up only 74 yards on 12 completions. …
Continue Reading: Penn State should have a plan for slowing down mighty Ohio State … the Lions did it last year
