has put up a lot of points but looking at it more closely I think there are a couple things that bode well for PSU.
First, here are their rushing stats thus far - against Oregon St they had 375 yards and a 7.1 yd/carry average; against Rutgers 225/5.6, TCU 182/4.3 and Tulane 151/4. So their total yards and ypc have been declining and their competition hasn't been all that great (see TCU losing to Texas this past weekend). I don't think their O-line is stellar and one good friend of mine who is a huge OSU fan cannot wait for Isaiah Prince (#59) to graduate. He was a huge liability for them 2 years ago at Beaver Stadium and apparently hasn't improved much, if at all, since then. Long story short, I think our D-line will hold up pretty well against their O-line in the run game.
Second, their QB has put up ridiculous numbers but, again, their competition hasn't been great. He is also making his 5th career start and essentially his first away from the Horseshoe. I have to believe that a Sat night Whiteout crowd might be able to rattle a RS soph on the road.
Finally, I wholeheartedly agree with many others here that the loss of Nick Bosa is a huge blow to their D. Undoubtedly they have great depth but you just don't replace a guy who, per the experts, was looking like he might be the top defensive player taken in the draft next spring.
Too early in the week for predictions, BUT, I see the following:
PSU O vs OSU D - advantage PSU
PSU D vs OSU O - slight advantage OSU?
special teams - even? (Gillikin>OSU's P but Pinegar<OSU's kicker who is a RS Sr)
coaching - even
intangibles - advantage PSU (home Whiteout crowd!!!)
Can Saturday get here already?!?!?!?!?!?!
First, here are their rushing stats thus far - against Oregon St they had 375 yards and a 7.1 yd/carry average; against Rutgers 225/5.6, TCU 182/4.3 and Tulane 151/4. So their total yards and ypc have been declining and their competition hasn't been all that great (see TCU losing to Texas this past weekend). I don't think their O-line is stellar and one good friend of mine who is a huge OSU fan cannot wait for Isaiah Prince (#59) to graduate. He was a huge liability for them 2 years ago at Beaver Stadium and apparently hasn't improved much, if at all, since then. Long story short, I think our D-line will hold up pretty well against their O-line in the run game.
Second, their QB has put up ridiculous numbers but, again, their competition hasn't been great. He is also making his 5th career start and essentially his first away from the Horseshoe. I have to believe that a Sat night Whiteout crowd might be able to rattle a RS soph on the road.
Finally, I wholeheartedly agree with many others here that the loss of Nick Bosa is a huge blow to their D. Undoubtedly they have great depth but you just don't replace a guy who, per the experts, was looking like he might be the top defensive player taken in the draft next spring.
Too early in the week for predictions, BUT, I see the following:
PSU O vs OSU D - advantage PSU
PSU D vs OSU O - slight advantage OSU?
special teams - even? (Gillikin>OSU's P but Pinegar<OSU's kicker who is a RS Sr)
coaching - even
intangibles - advantage PSU (home Whiteout crowd!!!)
Can Saturday get here already?!?!?!?!?!?!