And that's stretching the definition of "Achilles Heel" a bit:
1) OSU does not pass protect well (that's actually the one true weakness on their squad).
Especially for a team that rarely has been in a position where they "have to" throw, and with a very mobile QB...…. if PSU doesn't find a way to exploit this to the tune of 3+ sacks. Uh Oh.
2) They are not as rugged against the run as one might expect... and they are reluctant to bring an extra defender down in the box unless they have to.
FWIW: Actual "run plays" (not counting sacks, reverses, and what not) for B10 teams against OSU:
IU: 10 carries for 23 yds
UNL: 35 for 207
MSU: 20 for 86
NW: 33 for 117
UW: 28 for 110
UMD: 23 for 106
RU: 30 for 76
Folks aren't exactly tearing up the OSU Defense (and have often fallen so far behind that they simply stopped trying).... but the record to date at least provides a glimmer of hope that a "decent" ground game is a possibility.
3) Their Punter is very slow getting punts off. A chance for a block?
That's about it. Everywhere else they have "Sunday Talent" and a very solid, well-coached scheme.
I can't imagine a path for PSU to win without making some positive work out of items 1 and 2.
1) OSU does not pass protect well (that's actually the one true weakness on their squad).
Especially for a team that rarely has been in a position where they "have to" throw, and with a very mobile QB...…. if PSU doesn't find a way to exploit this to the tune of 3+ sacks. Uh Oh.
2) They are not as rugged against the run as one might expect... and they are reluctant to bring an extra defender down in the box unless they have to.
FWIW: Actual "run plays" (not counting sacks, reverses, and what not) for B10 teams against OSU:
IU: 10 carries for 23 yds
UNL: 35 for 207
MSU: 20 for 86
NW: 33 for 117
UW: 28 for 110
UMD: 23 for 106
RU: 30 for 76
Folks aren't exactly tearing up the OSU Defense (and have often fallen so far behind that they simply stopped trying).... but the record to date at least provides a glimmer of hope that a "decent" ground game is a possibility.
3) Their Punter is very slow getting punts off. A chance for a block?
That's about it. Everywhere else they have "Sunday Talent" and a very solid, well-coached scheme.
I can't imagine a path for PSU to win without making some positive work out of items 1 and 2.
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