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Penn State game gives Ohio State its chance to restore some respect
By Rusty Miller
Associated Press
Published on Tuesday, Oct 21, 2008
COLUMBUS: Having proven for at least one game that they're better than they've seemed, No. 10 Ohio State now has to impress No. 3 Penn State.
''The mindset was, 'Let's show how good we are.' I think we did,'' OSU guard Jim Cordle said after Saturday's 45-7 rout of No. 20 Michigan State, undoubtedly the Buckeyes' most impressive game of the season. ''We wanted to get some momentum going for the back end of the Big Ten season.''
That ''back end'' of the season kicks off with a national spotlight game under the lights Saturday night at Ohio Stadium. On the line is first place in the Big Ten for both the Buckeyes (7-1, 4-0) and Nittany Lions (8-0, 4-0).
For the Buckeyes, it's a last chance to redeem themselves after falling apart in the past two national championship games and a 35-3 blowout loss at Southern California earlier this season.
''I definitely think if we could come out with a win it would force some people to respect us again,'' cornerback Malcolm Jenkins said Monday. ''It seems right now they don't have any [respect for us] nationwide. But we're more worried about getting a win and trying to win a Big Ten championship.''
The Buckeyes had played lethargic, uninspired ball for most of the season, barely scraping by against teams such as Ohio (26-14), Troy (28-10), Minnesota (34-21), Wisconsin (20-17) and Purdue (16-3). That was not the case against Michigan State. They had more than 160 yards just in fumble return yardage in the game, and jumped on every mistake the Spartans (6-2, 3-1) made. And Michigan State made a lot of them, turning the ball over five times.
''It's what I would term a good, tough win on the road,'' coach Jim Tressel said. ''This is huge. It was a ranked opponent, a team playing with a lot of confidence. It was a great atmosphere.''
The Nittany Lions, one of the biggest surprises in the nation so far, rolled over everything in their path while winning their first seven games. Faced with a Michigan team that was coming off a humiliating 13-10 home loss to Mid-American Conference member Toledo the week before, Penn State was favored to swamp the embarrassed Wolverines.
But the Wolverines not only hung around, they led 17-14 at the half and were tied at 17 late in the third quarter. Then things fell apart, with the Nittany Lions going into hyperdrive to roll to a 46-17 win.
Now there are only two teams left atop the standings in the conference.
One of the reasons why the Buckeyes were clicking so well was the play of freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
He completed 7-of-11 passes for 116 yards including a 56-yard throw against a blitz to wide receiver Brian Hartline — the Buckeyes' longest play from scrimmage this year.
''If feels good to know we stepped forward as an offense,'' said receiver Brian Robiskie, who caught caught a touchdown pass from Pryor.
In addition, Chris Wells rushed for 140 yards on a season-high 31 carries and two touchdowns.
Pryor is from Jeannette, Pa., and Penn State was among his final three choices in colleges before picking Ohio State. So he knows the magnitude of what's ahead on Saturday.
''It's going to be fun because they're a Pennsylvania team,'' he said.
COLUMBUS: Having proven for at least one game that they're better than they've seemed, No. 10 Ohio State now has to impress No. 3 Penn State.
Get the full article here.
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