Penn State-Ohio State: 3 keys to an upset

Hello, all. Tonight, I will be at Beaver Stadium to watch my Penn State Nittany Lions take on the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes. The odds are against us, as PSU is 19.5 point, underdogs. Let's see what they can do to shock the world.

Key #1: Hit the line, roll up the score

This is the biggest game of Trace McSorley's life

Linebacker U ain't what it used to be. These days, Penn State is a team built on offense. So, if Penn State wants to get a W, it is unlikely that defense will be the key. The pressure is on young quarterback Trace McSorley, as he has never been on a stage quite like this (yes, bigger than the Pitt game). JT Barrett and the Buckeye's offense will put up some numbers, and it's up to Penn State to punch back.

Odds of execution: Fair

Key #2: Don't fall behind early 

Photo creds to Bleacher Report

The last time Urban Meyer came to Beaver Stadium, I was there. Penn State trailed the eventual national champs 17-0 at the half, before coming back to force overtime. The Lions would fall in 2 OT, 31-24. If Penn State was able to score at all in the first half, they would have won the game. To  have a chance, Penn State can't come out flat. They have to compete with the Buckeyes from the get go. It's a 60 minute game, and in my opinion, if Penn State shows up for 30 of those minutes like they did in 2014, that won't cut the mustard.

Odds of execution: Not terrible 


Key #3: Feed off the crowd 

The Whiteout is what they say it is. It's electric. In college football, a crowd can make a huge difference. Penn State needs to be pumped up. The need to realize that they are the home team, and 107,000+ are screaming for them. If a night game at Beaver Stadium does not give this team extra adrenaline, then something is wrong. If this game were at Ohio Stadium, the Nittany Lions wouldn't have a chance in hell. But because it is at Beaver Stadium, they just might.


Final Prediction
Yes, you can say Penn State has a significant opportunity ahead of them. Yes, they are at home. However, I don't see them beating the Ohio State Buckeyes. OSU will too talented, too determined, and too experienced for Penn State to handle. All I am asking for this Penn State team is that they keep it close. I didn't come all this way to see a blowout. I want a relatively competitive game, and if my Nittany Lions are to fall, I want them to go down swinging.

Ohio State 37, Penn State 24