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O-line poised for challenge

It’s no surprise that Penn State’s young defense, especially its front seven, has at times struggled.

In the words of the late Dennis Green, “They are what we thought they were.”

So after seeing its pass defense torched against App State and is run defense roadgraded for alaming portions of the Pitt and Illinois games, you’re expecting this defense to rise up against Ohio State?

I don’t see it.

To me, the best chance for Penn State to win this game is to outscore the Buckeyes and — while doing so — to limit the number of offensive possessions of OSU’s dynamic offense.

Which is why the Nittany Lions’ offensive line holds the key to victory.

I’m not the only one who thinks that.

It looks to me like the coaching staff does, too.

Penn State could have put up 63 points against Illinois last week any way it wanted. But how did the Lions choose to attack?

By pounding the ball 51 times on the ground for 387 rushing yards — both season-highs — and featuring Miles Sanders (22-200).

Trace McSorley attempted a

season-low 19 passes but carried for a season-high 15 times for 92 yards.

Penn State’s offensive line allowed just one sack to Illinois and escorted a run game that averaged a gaudy 7.6-yards per carry.

The fact that the offensive scheme was run-first a week before the physical challenge that awaits vs. the Buckeyes is not a coincidence.

Another not-so-coincidental move has been the expanded role of true freshman tight end Pat Freiermuth, a 260-pounder who has been a better blocker than Jonathan Holland and an expanded target/checkdown in the short passing game.

Other than center Michael Menet, the starters across the line have been in their positions as starters for multiple years.

This is their time, and it needs to be.

“We’re all on the same page, and we trust each other,” tackle Ryan Bates, the Lions’ top lineman, said. “We’re the best we’ve been for four years.”

James Franklin agrees, and there is no better window than Saturday night to underscore that.

The Buckeyes’ best player — defensive end Nick Bosa, Joey’s younger brother — is out for this game with an injury.

If the PSU line can control the trenches, and keep the chains and the clock moving, Ohio State’s offense and the Lions’ defense will stay on the sidelines.

Establishing and sustaining the run and keeping the pocket clean will allow McSorley time to find his multitude of weapons on the perimeter.

But it all starts up front, which is why the most important position Saturday night will be Penn State’s offensive line.

Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com

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