Show Some Scarlet

Thirty years ago Penn State withstood the Horseshoe horde and beat the Buckeyes. Since that time, the Nittany Lions have yet to win a game in Ohio’s obscure oval. OSU has convincingly and forcefully fastened down PSU in games played in the comfort of the home crowd. Tonight’s sparring pits 8-0 Penn State against a one loss Buckeye team in the Big 10 game of the year. I will be seated front and center to witness the match up even though World Series Game Three conflicts with the time slot. If I had to take my pick, I would choose 81 year old Joe Paterno patrolling the press box with his limp leg over 45 year old, Jamie Moyer, on the hill at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Tonight football reigns supreme and baseball (if the game is not rained out) will play second fiddle.
Jim Tressel stresses the scarlet showing in the stands as the Lions take the field. Ohio State hopes to create an atmosphere similar to their own version of PSU’s whiteout conditions. The difference in this game could hinge on home field advantage.
Penn State brings a very solid and well-balanced attacking football team into Ohio Stadium. This is without question a big test for rookie quarterback, Terrelle Pryor. Penn State was one of the colleges on Pryor’s list before he signed on as a Buck. That story has been overplayed. I do not think the focus of Terrelle is his college choice or second guessing why he chose to be a Buckeye. Terrelle is a very motivated athlete who has the assets to apply favorable conditions on offense. Last week, he had everything going for him, putting together a believable win over Michigan State on the road. He finally has the respect of his teammates, I think and that has made a difference in his confidence. Chris “Beanie” Wells needs to run for another 100 yards in order for the Buckeyes to be a factor this evening. Paterno’s Penn State defense is one of the best in the nation and they do not allow teams to run the ball effectively. On the other side, the OSU defense is also solid with All Americans, James Laurinaitus and Malcom Jenkins. Penn State senior play caller, Daryll Clark is going to face his greatest challenge so far this year. Illinois was a challenge, but OSU is the best defense he will behold. If the Bucks shut down the Nittany Lion running game and force Clark to beat them, they will be successful. Evan Royster is one of the most prolific running backs at this level and it will be crucial to contain his breakaway speed.
I reckon college football fans will get an early Halloween treat tonight. This should be a close encounter. The Lions are the third ranked team in the country, and rightly so. They have every reason to be considered the darling of the conference. But tonight you better believe the Big 10 leaders will be seeing red. If ever there was a game to clearly make a statement, tonight is it for the Ohioians. The Horseshow is the X factor and mentally, Penn State is already beaten. They know they have yet to win a game in Ohio with Paterno on the sidelines. Last week, the Lions lunged to a large win in the Big House in Michigan. They started off a bit unsteady but bounced back to take the lead and remain undefeated. Paterno’s Michigan jinx went kaput. Can this team break another Paterno plague? Survey says: This will be a competitive, see-saw game with many twists and turns and lead changes. I forecast a Scarlet and Gray win, with the game being decided late in the fourth quarter. Ohio State needs to capitalize on any PSU turnovers and mistakes..just like the Phillies need to hit with runners in scoring position in order to win.

Parting points: I am listening to Keith Sweat’s “Twisted”. I wonder if Keith is still making good music.