Can Ohio State Buckeyes Hang With Penn State Nittany Lions?

The Penn State Nittany Lions will be the biggest challenge yet for the Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes are set to face their toughest test of the season next Saturday when they host the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. 

And with Big Ten title aspirations on the line, the Buckeyes will undoubtedly have to play their best game to pull off the win vs. the Nittany Lions. 

But how good is Penn State really?

Sure, the Nittany Lions have not played a ranked team as of yet, but they are defeating opponents by 36.2 points per game, including two shutout victories over Iowa and Massachusetts.

And that West Virginia win in the season opener is beginning to look like a real quality win as well. 

Regardless, the biggest challenge for Ohio State will be the Penn State defense, which currently ranks No. 1 in the nation in total defense. It also ranks No. 2 in the Big Ten in scoring defense behind Michigan, giving up just eight points per game. 

The Nittany Lions also rank No. 1 in the Big Ten in rush defense and pass defense.

And at the head of that defensive juggernaut is a monster defensive line crafted by coordinator Manny Diaz, which ranks second in the nation with 27 sacks so far this season. 

Suffice it to say, that Penn State defensive line presents a major problem for the Buckeyes, who have struggled to run the football thus far this season. 

Ohio State has also been average at best in pass protection, giving up 10 sacks through six games - including three to Purdue on Saturday - which ranks 43rd in the nation. 

But don’t forget about their secondary. The Nittany Lions also rank No. 31 in the country with seven interceptions and rank No. 1 in the nation in pass defense overall.

In other words, the Ohio State offense, which has struggled with its consistency all season long will be facing without a doubt its toughest challenge of the year so far. 

So how can the Buckeyes come out on top? As it stands it's currently difficult to see that path. 

The Buckeyes are riddled with injuries to key players and have had their issues staying balanced and moving the football on the ground.

Not only is Emeka Egbuka still dealing with an injury, but the Buckeyes also lost backup running back Chip Traynum to an injury vs. Purdue, with both likely to be questionable vs. Penn State. 

That said, TreVeyon Henderson, who has rushed 44 times for 234 yards and three touchdowns vs. the Nittany Lions over the last two seasons, could be making his return to the lineup. 

However, that is far from a certainty. 

In other words, while history favors the Buckeyes over the last few seasons, all signs point to a Penn State win in Columbus. 

We will find out one way or the other on Saturday at Ohio Stadium, with Kickoff set for noon ET on FOX.