Who Should the Ohio State Buckeyes Watch On Penn State's Defense in Week 8?

With both teams looking to earn a conference win during Week 8, a victory could come down to one play or one drive. While the Ohio State Buckeyes hope they're the ones to make that play, multiple Penn State defenders will be looking to make sure that isn't the case.

Despite the offensive turnover that the Ohio State Buckeyes experienced at the beginning of the season, they haven't taken a step back production wise. Between Kyle McCord, receiver duo Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. and a now short-staffed running back room, the Buckeyes have weapons. Any defense set to face off against Ohio State will need to be extremely locked in if they want a shot at beating it, and it's shown so far this season. 

Every conference matchup will be pivotal to the Buckeyes' chances at a playoff run, making this week's matchup against the Penn State Nittany Lions a big one. The game will be yet another chance for the Buckeyes to flex their powerhouse offense, but it'll also be a chance for the Nittany Lions to force turnovers and have their way. 

Key to doing that will be Penn State's defensive playmakers, so ahead of that late-October matchup, here are three players for the Ohio State Buckeyes to watch for on the Nittany Lions' defensive end: 

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud gets sacked by Abdul Carter during the Buckeyes' 44-31 victory over Penn State on Oct 29, 2022 :: Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

LB Abdul Carter

Carter may just be a sophomore, but his skills on the field are already apparent and dangerous. Last season for Penn State, the linebacker finished second on the team in total tackles with 56, has been looking to repeat this season. He's only registered 15 thus far, but his size and athleticism makes him a strong threat to any ball carriers, regardless of the week. And given the way he "preps" for big-time matchups like Ohio State, he could certainly be a big factor in shutting down the Buckeyes' passing and running games.

#PennState Football LB Abdul Carter on Instagram today 👀🍿 pic.twitter.com/nKEojgGWQz

— Penn State Nittany Lions | Happy Valley Insider (@PennStateRivals) July 21, 2023

CB Kalen King

Last season, only two Penn State defenders recorded three or more interceptions. Junior Kalen King was one of them — making himself known everywhere on the field. This season, he hasn't scratched the score sheet in that column, but he does lead the Nittany Lions' cornerbacks in total tackles so far. When it comes to bigger matchups like Ohio State, King will need to step up even more, which shouldn't be an issue for him, especially with two full seasons under his belt. If the Buckeyes aren't careful, King could pose a serious threat to their offensive momentum and could scratch the interception column for the first time this season.

DE Chop Robinson

Any player chasing you down with the nickname "Chop" would be scary. Penn State's junior transfer certainly showed why, registering just one fewer sack than Carter with 5.5 last season. And this season, that's been a similar case. Robinson is in second place within his team on sacks, boasting a 6-3, 250-pound frame, making him a true force to be reckoned with on the line. If he manages to break loose in the backfield, it could be a long day for the Buckeyes.