Ohio State scraped together a win against a decent Nebraska team, but could not get anything going offensively. After the loss the Oregon, fans were hoping to see a more energetic team, fired up to get the bad taste out of their mouth, but ended the game with more questions and they cant play like they did and expect to beat the 3rd ranked Nittany Lions. Here are our top 5 questions going into this game.

1. What is the answer at left tackle?

Lets talk about the elephant in the room first, and that is what the strategy is for Ohio State at the left tackle position now that they lost two players for extended time, and are about to go against one of the more aggressive defensive lines in the country. Josh Simmons is out for the year and Zen Michalski got hurt during Nebraska, who was supposed to be the solution, but he did not have a strong game before the injury. In the last few series for the Buckeyes, they moved left guard Donovan Jackson over to left tackle, and brought in Luke Montgomery, but is this the solution? This line needs to be going into Happy Valley with a plan and confidence or else it could be a long day.

2. Is it time for Denzel Burke to be pulled?

Denzel Burke came back for his senior year and was a projected top 2 round draft pick entering the season. His play the first few games against overmatched receivers and quarterbacks allowed Burke to be an island, but against Oregon and Nebraska, he was picked on throughout the game. He is a great player, and a heart of the defense, but at this point with a loss, the plan for the Buckeyes should not be worried about hurting feelings, but putting players in the best position to play, and that might be with Jermaine Matthews filling in for Burke if he is not up to the task. Penn State is a team that does have some good receivers, not to the level of Oregon, but if the Buckeye want to help their offense, it will be about getting them as many opportunities to score, and that means the Silver Bullets need their best players in the best positions.

3. Do the Buckeyes have a culture problem?

Ryan Day is a great person and coach, and despite his record in big games, he is not losing the games they are expected to win. But in the games where the talent is close, the team that wins is the one with an edge, and outside of the Clemson playoff game in 2020, and the Georgia game in 2022, this team has not shown a fire in them. Hearing from several of the beat that cover the team, and even former players, the Buckeyes did not have any kind of energy on the sidelines in the game against Nebraska, a game whee Day said we would see an angry football team. It honestly didn’t feel like the Buckeyes played with any fire until the now reversed targeting call on Arvell Reese, who was kicked out of the game and forced a fumble which would have given the Buckeyes the ball in plus territory. When your peers are Georgia, and Oregon, and Penn State, you need to bring the “juice”. You need to want to fight for that extra yard, that extra play, that extra push, and that has not been present for the past few years.

4. Does Drew Allar play in the game?

Drew Allar was injured before halftime against Wisconsin last week, and James Franklin stated that Allar would be a game time decision against the Buckeyes. If he plays, he will not be at 100%, and could risk further injuring his leg. (Although with this pass rush, Allar might not get touched all game *rim shot*). Penn State has been a lot more creative offensively, even if it doesn’t work, which is going to be the chess match to watch, and if Allar can play, he gives them their best passing option, but reduces the threat of the run at quarterback.

5. Does it help the Buckeyes that this is a not a night game?

Penn State is know for its “White Out” game, and the fact that this will be a noon kickoff might help the Buckeyes. Add the fact that both Big Noon Kickoff will be there, as well as ESPN’s College Game Day, and a chance both presidential candidates will be in attendance, fans getting into the stands by the time of kickoff might be a challenge.

What are your top questions entering the game?

Photo Credit – Adam Cairns | The Columbus Dispatch