Alex Bars eyeing another Big Ten visit 
October, 26, 2012
10/26/12
6:50
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Alex Bars is taking the weekend off from visiting prospective colleges. The offensive lineman from Nashville (Tenn.) Montgomery Bell Academy plans to be back on the road next week, the junior told ESPN on Friday.
Bars is leaning towards a trip to Purdue to see the Boilermakers host Penn State. His eldest brother, Brad Bars, is a junior defensive lineman for the Nittany Lions.
Alex Bars has already visited Michigan and Notre Dame. Both have ties to the Bars family. Bars' brother, Blake Bars, is a freshman offensive lineman for Michigan. Alex Bars' father attended Notre Dame.
Bars said he will definitely visit Penn State, Alabama and Vanderbilt this season. In addition to Ohio State and Michigan, Bars has scholarship offers from Indiana, Duke, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Mississippi State.
Bars is leaning towards a trip to Purdue to see the Boilermakers host Penn State. His eldest brother, Brad Bars, is a junior defensive lineman for the Nittany Lions.
Alex Bars has already visited Michigan and Notre Dame. Both have ties to the Bars family. Bars' brother, Blake Bars, is a freshman offensive lineman for Michigan. Alex Bars' father attended Notre Dame.
Bars said he will definitely visit Penn State, Alabama and Vanderbilt this season. In addition to Ohio State and Michigan, Bars has scholarship offers from Indiana, Duke, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Mississippi State.
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Jeb Blazevich talks Bama before visit
October, 26, 2012
10/26/12
6:33
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Jeb Blazevich doesn't have to make the trip west to Alabama to know a little something about the Crimson Tide.
"They have big targets on their backs," the junior tight end stated via text message when asked about Bama. "I admire how they do their work and [it] obviously seems to be working."
Despite that aforementioned knowledge, Blazevich is traveling to Tuscaloosa this weekend to see Alabama host Mississippi State. It's a chance to see one of the many premier schools that have offered a scholarship to the ESPN Watch List prospect from Charlotte (N.C.) Christian.
Blazevich has already visited Georgia and LSU. He's scheduled to visit Ohio State and Notre Dame this fall.
"They have big targets on their backs," the junior tight end stated via text message when asked about Bama. "I admire how they do their work and [it] obviously seems to be working."
Despite that aforementioned knowledge, Blazevich is traveling to Tuscaloosa this weekend to see Alabama host Mississippi State. It's a chance to see one of the many premier schools that have offered a scholarship to the ESPN Watch List prospect from Charlotte (N.C.) Christian.
Blazevich has already visited Georgia and LSU. He's scheduled to visit Ohio State and Notre Dame this fall.
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Brazilian kicker getting big-time interest
October, 26, 2012
10/26/12
6:32
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Rafael Gaglianone didn't come to the United States to be a big-time college football prospect.
"I came out here just to go abroad and study," the native Brazilian said. "It turned out I have the potential to kick, so I started."
With a soccer background, Gaglianone is now a place-kicking prospect. The kicker from Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor has seen recent interest from several big-name schools, namely LSU, Duke, BYU and Ohio State.
"I came out here just to go abroad and study," the native Brazilian said. "It turned out I have the potential to kick, so I started."
With a soccer background, Gaglianone is now a place-kicking prospect. The kicker from Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor has seen recent interest from several big-name schools, namely LSU, Duke, BYU and Ohio State.
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#BlueChip Battles: Oct. 26
October, 26, 2012
10/26/12
1:12
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Pitt doesn't want WR Robert Foster to leave the Keystone State and USC hopes to keep CB Max Redfield in Cali. The local programs' bid to keep those two stars in-state highlights this week's #BlueChipBattles 
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#BlueChipBattles is the Twitter hashtag to use if you want to voice your opinion on our list or to view other fans' reactions as the commitments begin to roll in. Get recruiting updates on the players above as well as the nation's other top football prospects here: @RecruitingESPN.
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#BlueChipBattles is the Twitter hashtag to use if you want to voice your opinion on our list or to view other fans' reactions as the commitments begin to roll in. Get recruiting updates on the players above as well as the nation's other top football prospects here: @RecruitingESPN.
Video: Luginbill on Ohio State's 2013 class
October, 26, 2012
10/26/12
12:51
PM ET
By BuckeyeNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPN's Tom Luginbill grades Ohio State's fifth-ranked recruiting class. The Buckeyes' top recruit is cornerback Eli Woodard.
Video: Ohio State chases Elder
October, 26, 2012
10/26/12
12:49
PM ET
By BuckeyeNation staff | ESPN.com
"Recruiting Nation" breaks down the Buckeyes' fifth-ranked recruiting class. One of Ohio State's top remaining targets is ESPN 300 running back Corn Elder.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Critical areas for the Buckeyes as they hit the road for a crucial division clash versus Penn State The game will be televised live on ESPN at 5:30 p.m. ET Saturday from Beaver Stadium.
FIRST DOWN
Health nut: The message was clear from Braxton Miller after he wrapped up the second of Ohio State's two meaningful practices this week. The sophomore quarterback left no doubt that he was feeling fine, and a bit of lingering soreness in his neck wasn't going to keep him off the field or change the way he plays.
FIRST DOWN
Health nut: The message was clear from Braxton Miller after he wrapped up the second of Ohio State's two meaningful practices this week. The sophomore quarterback left no doubt that he was feeling fine, and a bit of lingering soreness in his neck wasn't going to keep him off the field or change the way he plays.
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Trey Johnson talks Florida visit, officials
October, 25, 2012
10/25/12
7:42
PM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- As ESPN 150 linebacker Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) was announced as the latest participant in the Under Armour All-American game, he knew that a tough decision lies ahead.
While he has been committed to Auburn for over a year, the four-star prospect wants to make sure he makes the right choice in a college.
“I just want to see if something sticks out,” Johnson said. “If I see a place that is different and I like it, then I will have to take a closer look and make sure I am going to the right place.”
While he has been committed to Auburn for over a year, the four-star prospect wants to make sure he makes the right choice in a college.
“I just want to see if something sticks out,” Johnson said. “If I see a place that is different and I like it, then I will have to take a closer look and make sure I am going to the right place.”
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Coach eval: Is Jalen Hurd a tailback?
October, 25, 2012
10/25/12
2:38
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Jalen Hurd will soon face a conundrum. Eventually the ESPN Watch List athlete from Hendersonville (Tenn.) Beech will have to take a leap of faith.
Of course, most recruiters will tell the 6-foot-3, 210-pound athlete that he's their tailback of the future. Some, who have him pegged at another position, won't be telling the truth. What if, for instance, Hurd grows to 6-4 and 240 pounds? That's a little big for a tailback.
"I'll tell you this, he does not want to play on defense. ... He wants to play on the offensive side of ball," Beech head coach Anthony Crabtree said on Thursday.
Of course, most recruiters will tell the 6-foot-3, 210-pound athlete that he's their tailback of the future. Some, who have him pegged at another position, won't be telling the truth. What if, for instance, Hurd grows to 6-4 and 240 pounds? That's a little big for a tailback.
"I'll tell you this, he does not want to play on defense. ... He wants to play on the offensive side of ball," Beech head coach Anthony Crabtree said on Thursday.
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Picks to click: Buckeyes to watch at PSU
October, 25, 2012
10/25/12
12:46
PM ET
By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A look at three Ohio State players who will be critical as the program hits the road for a critical division clash at Penn State and how they might impact the outcome on Saturday (TV: ESPN, 5:30 p.m.).
Devin Smith
Devin Smith
- The basics: The sophomore receiver has struggled with consistency, alternating between making difficult catches or putting easy receptions on the ground without much in between. But Smith has risen to the occasion in the biggest moments so far this season, and the Buckeyes will need him to deliver on the perimeter in a hostile environment if they’re going to tighten their grasp on the division.
- By the numbers: If Smith is an up-and-down player, he certainly doesn’t stay down for long. Every time he’s gone a game without finding the end zone, he’s bounced back the next week with at least one touchdown reception -- which could be a bad sign for the Nittany Lions with Smith coming off a shutout against Purdue.
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WR Thaddeus Snodgrass names top five
October, 25, 2012
10/25/12
11:03
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
ESPN Watch List wide receiver Thaddeus Snodgrass (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield) told ESPN.com this week that he will make a commitment either Nov. 2 or Nov. 5. He added that he now has a top five.
The 6-foot, 174-pound junior announced late Wednesday night on his official Twitter account that the choice will be between -- in no particular order -- Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin.
According to ESPN.com Midwest recruiting analyst Jared Shanker, Snodgrass will make an unofficial visit to Notre Dame sometime next week before his announcement. He originally planned to visit the Fighting Irish for their game Nov. 3 against Pittsburgh, but now would like to visit earlier.
The visit for the Pitt game is contingent on whether Snodgrass commits Nov. 2 and to which program he ultimately commits.
His announcement will take place at Springfield High School.
The 6-foot, 174-pound junior announced late Wednesday night on his official Twitter account that the choice will be between -- in no particular order -- Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin.
According to ESPN.com Midwest recruiting analyst Jared Shanker, Snodgrass will make an unofficial visit to Notre Dame sometime next week before his announcement. He originally planned to visit the Fighting Irish for their game Nov. 3 against Pittsburgh, but now would like to visit earlier.
The visit for the Pitt game is contingent on whether Snodgrass commits Nov. 2 and to which program he ultimately commits.
His announcement will take place at Springfield High School.
New schools in mix for 2014 No. 1 Wiggins
October, 25, 2012
10/25/12
11:00
AM ET
By
Dave Telep | ESPN.com
John Calipari sits on top of the mountain in the world of college basketball. However, being king doesn’t make him immune to a problem. This is elite recruiting, and every action comes with a reaction.
And there’s reason to believe a recent addition in Lexington is cause for a little case of nervousness typically uncommon at Kentucky.
The good news for UK fans is that wing James Young (Rochester, Mich./Rochester) is a Wildcat. The bad news for UK fans is that James Young is a Wildcat.
And there’s reason to believe a recent addition in Lexington is cause for a little case of nervousness typically uncommon at Kentucky.
The good news for UK fans is that wing James Young (Rochester, Mich./Rochester) is a Wildcat. The bad news for UK fans is that James Young is a Wildcat.
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Big 33 snub not sitting well with Ohio
October, 25, 2012
10/25/12
10:00
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Pennsylvania’s sudden dismissal of Ohio on Wednesday in the Big 33 All-Star Game didn’t sit well with some from the Buckeye State who either played in the contest or coached in it.
The game dates back to 1957, with Pennsylvania playing against all-stars from Texas, Ohio, Maryland and simply East Pa. vs. West Pa. But Ohio has been involved the last 25 years and dumping Ohio in favor of Maryland for the next five years rubbed a little salt in the wound.
“We’re very taken aback by the letter we received, very surprised,” said Grafton (Ohio) Midview coach Bill Albright, who coached in the Big 33 this year. “Quite honestly, we left as coaches with the support people thinking we were still in good shape.
The game dates back to 1957, with Pennsylvania playing against all-stars from Texas, Ohio, Maryland and simply East Pa. vs. West Pa. But Ohio has been involved the last 25 years and dumping Ohio in favor of Maryland for the next five years rubbed a little salt in the wound.
“We’re very taken aback by the letter we received, very surprised,” said Grafton (Ohio) Midview coach Bill Albright, who coached in the Big 33 this year. “Quite honestly, we left as coaches with the support people thinking we were still in good shape.
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Big Ten predictions: Week 9
October, 25, 2012
10/25/12
9:00
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg and
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Some weeks are better than others, and Week 9 in the Big Ten is a very good one. All six games pair fairly evenly matched teams, and there's something at stake in all six contests (yes, even Indiana-Illinois).
These might be our most challenging picks of the season, which could be a good thing for Brian Bennett, who trails Adam Rittenberg by a whopping five games in the season standings.
Without further ado, let's get to the picks ...
IOWA at NORTHWESTERN
Brian Bennett: Both teams are searching for some answers on defense, but the Wildcats are much healthier than the Hawkeyes, who are banged up at offensive line and running back. I think we'll see Northwestern get back to running the ball more with Kain Colter and Venric Mark this week, which works well enough to hold back an Iowa team whose quarterback is under fire. ... Northwestern 23, Iowa 17
Adam Rittenberg: Northwestern does have some injury issues of its own at cornerback, but James Vandenberg hasn't been able to take advantage of much this season. I like this matchup for Northwestern, even though the Wildcats have an identity crisis on offense right now. Iowa takes the early lead, but Northwestern finally puts the ball in Colter's hands, and he rushes for two second-half touchdowns. Mark Weisman bullies his way to 100 rush yards, but Northwestern gets it done on Homecoming. ... Northwestern 24, Iowa 20
INDIANA at ILLINOIS
Adam Rittenberg: I really think Illinois will be better following the open week -- the Illini can't get much worse -- and should capitalize on Indiana's defensive woes. But Indiana's spread offense matches up very well against an Illinois defense that, while talented, struggles mightily against spread teams. Hoosiers receivers Shane Wynn, Cody Latimer and Kofi Hughes each catch touchdowns and Indiana finally finds a way to hold on for its first Big Ten win under Kevin Wilson. ... Indiana 31, Illinois 27
Brian Bennett: I guess I can't pick both to lose this week, huh? The Hoosiers have been much more competitive for the past several weeks than Illinois has, and their offense is better than any unit the Illini can put out there right now. Expect some new wrinkles from Tim Beckman after the bye week, but Indiana's passing game is too much as Nate Sudfeld comes off the bench for a pair of second-half touchdown passes. ... Indiana 28, Illinois 27
PURDUE at MINNESOTA
Brian Bennett: One of these teams has to get itself off the mat, and I think it's going to be Minnesota. Purdue has to be feeling a bit of a hangover from last week's heartbreaking loss to Ohio State, and another week of experience will do wonders for Gophers freshman quarterback Philip Nelson. He throws a key touchdown pass to MarQueis Gray, and a late field goal wins it. ... Minnesota 20, Purdue 19
Adam Rittenberg: This game is all about Purdue's demeanor after last week's heartbreaker. If we see the team that showed up in Columbus, the Boilers will win. If not, Nelson and the Gophers will get it done. I've been burned before, but I don't think Purdue is finished just yet. The Boilers' defense pressures Nelson, forces some takeaways and limits a low-scoring Gophers offense to 17 points. Purdue hits on some big plays to Gary Bush and Antavian Edison and gets a win it absolutely has to have. ... Purdue 23, Minnesota 17
MICHIGAN STATE at No. 25 WISCONSIN
Adam Rittenberg: I nearly went with the Spartans here, as I just can't believe Mark Dantonio's squad is on the verge of falling below .500. Then again, Wisconsin doesn't lose at Camp Randall Stadium, especially to teams that have no offense. This game follows a familiar script for Michigan State, which hangs around for a while behind its defense but allows a late score. Le'Veon Bell has 120 rush yards, but both Montee Ball and James White score in the second half as Wisconsin prevails. ... Wisconsin 20, Michigan State 13
Brian Bennett: Pretty simple here: Michigan State can't score, and I don't see how that changes this week against an underrated Wisconsin defense that's playing well. Ball & Co. won't find as much running room as normal against this Spartans defense, so quarterback Joel Stave will have to play well. He does well enough to get the win, hitting big passes to Jared Abbrederis and Jacob Pedersen to set up scores in a close one. ... Wisconsin 17, Michigan State 14
OHIO STATE at PENN STATE
Brian Bennett: I learned my lesson in picking against Penn State last week. Ohio State is getting thinned by injuries, and quarterback Braxton Miller might not be at full strength after last week's brief hospitalization. Bill O'Brien's offense will pick apart the Buckeyes' questionable back seven as Matt McGloin throws three TD passes. That and a crazed home-field atmosphere are enough to ruin Ohio State's perfect season. ... Penn State 28, Ohio State 21
Adam Rittenberg: The Buckeyes' slow starts, Miller's injury issues and Ohio State's lack of depth at linebacker are real concerns here. Penn State tight ends Kyle Carter and Jesse James find enough gaps in Ohio State's defense, and Bill Belton racks up 115 rush yards and two scores. Miller plays and keeps his team in the game, but Penn State has too much offense and a huge edge with the Beaver Stadium crowd. Buckeyes go down for the first time. ... Penn State 27, Ohio State 24
No. 22 MICHIGAN at NEBRASKA
Adam Rittenberg: I know Nebraska plays much better at home, and quarterback Taylor Martinez has made obvious improvement this season. But Michigan is the steadier team right now, and the better defensive squad. The Wolverines got over the hump last week against rival Michigan State, and they'll find a way to record a signature road win. Linebacker Jake Ryan recovers two Nebraska fumbles and Denard Robinson breaks off a long touchdown run in the fourth quarter as the Wolverines silence the Sea of Red. ... Michigan 26, Nebraska 24
Brian Bennett: The Legends Division race could get pretty boring if Michigan wins in Lincoln. One thing this league has not been this year is predictable. The Wolverines' recent conservative ways on offense will play into the hands of a Huskers defense that plays better when it knows what to expect. Martinez will pick on Michigan cornerbacks and turn in one of the finest moments of his career as Nebraska roars back from an early double-digit deficit to win. ... Nebraska 28, Michigan 23
Season records
Adam Rittenberg: 54-14 (.794)
Brian Bennett: 49-19 (.721)
These might be our most challenging picks of the season, which could be a good thing for Brian Bennett, who trails Adam Rittenberg by a whopping five games in the season standings.
Without further ado, let's get to the picks ...
IOWA at NORTHWESTERN
Brian Bennett: Both teams are searching for some answers on defense, but the Wildcats are much healthier than the Hawkeyes, who are banged up at offensive line and running back. I think we'll see Northwestern get back to running the ball more with Kain Colter and Venric Mark this week, which works well enough to hold back an Iowa team whose quarterback is under fire. ... Northwestern 23, Iowa 17
Adam Rittenberg: Northwestern does have some injury issues of its own at cornerback, but James Vandenberg hasn't been able to take advantage of much this season. I like this matchup for Northwestern, even though the Wildcats have an identity crisis on offense right now. Iowa takes the early lead, but Northwestern finally puts the ball in Colter's hands, and he rushes for two second-half touchdowns. Mark Weisman bullies his way to 100 rush yards, but Northwestern gets it done on Homecoming. ... Northwestern 24, Iowa 20
INDIANA at ILLINOIS
Adam Rittenberg: I really think Illinois will be better following the open week -- the Illini can't get much worse -- and should capitalize on Indiana's defensive woes. But Indiana's spread offense matches up very well against an Illinois defense that, while talented, struggles mightily against spread teams. Hoosiers receivers Shane Wynn, Cody Latimer and Kofi Hughes each catch touchdowns and Indiana finally finds a way to hold on for its first Big Ten win under Kevin Wilson. ... Indiana 31, Illinois 27
Brian Bennett: I guess I can't pick both to lose this week, huh? The Hoosiers have been much more competitive for the past several weeks than Illinois has, and their offense is better than any unit the Illini can put out there right now. Expect some new wrinkles from Tim Beckman after the bye week, but Indiana's passing game is too much as Nate Sudfeld comes off the bench for a pair of second-half touchdown passes. ... Indiana 28, Illinois 27
PURDUE at MINNESOTA
Brian Bennett: One of these teams has to get itself off the mat, and I think it's going to be Minnesota. Purdue has to be feeling a bit of a hangover from last week's heartbreaking loss to Ohio State, and another week of experience will do wonders for Gophers freshman quarterback Philip Nelson. He throws a key touchdown pass to MarQueis Gray, and a late field goal wins it. ... Minnesota 20, Purdue 19
Adam Rittenberg: This game is all about Purdue's demeanor after last week's heartbreaker. If we see the team that showed up in Columbus, the Boilers will win. If not, Nelson and the Gophers will get it done. I've been burned before, but I don't think Purdue is finished just yet. The Boilers' defense pressures Nelson, forces some takeaways and limits a low-scoring Gophers offense to 17 points. Purdue hits on some big plays to Gary Bush and Antavian Edison and gets a win it absolutely has to have. ... Purdue 23, Minnesota 17
MICHIGAN STATE at No. 25 WISCONSIN
Adam Rittenberg: I nearly went with the Spartans here, as I just can't believe Mark Dantonio's squad is on the verge of falling below .500. Then again, Wisconsin doesn't lose at Camp Randall Stadium, especially to teams that have no offense. This game follows a familiar script for Michigan State, which hangs around for a while behind its defense but allows a late score. Le'Veon Bell has 120 rush yards, but both Montee Ball and James White score in the second half as Wisconsin prevails. ... Wisconsin 20, Michigan State 13
Brian Bennett: Pretty simple here: Michigan State can't score, and I don't see how that changes this week against an underrated Wisconsin defense that's playing well. Ball & Co. won't find as much running room as normal against this Spartans defense, so quarterback Joel Stave will have to play well. He does well enough to get the win, hitting big passes to Jared Abbrederis and Jacob Pedersen to set up scores in a close one. ... Wisconsin 17, Michigan State 14
OHIO STATE at PENN STATE
Brian Bennett: I learned my lesson in picking against Penn State last week. Ohio State is getting thinned by injuries, and quarterback Braxton Miller might not be at full strength after last week's brief hospitalization.
Adam Rittenberg: The Buckeyes' slow starts, Miller's injury issues and Ohio State's lack of depth at linebacker are real concerns here. Penn State tight ends Kyle Carter and Jesse James find enough gaps in Ohio State's defense, and Bill Belton racks up 115 rush yards and two scores. Miller plays and keeps his team in the game, but Penn State has too much offense and a huge edge with the Beaver Stadium crowd. Buckeyes go down for the first time. ... Penn State 27, Ohio State 24
No. 22 MICHIGAN at NEBRASKA
Adam Rittenberg: I know Nebraska plays much better at home, and quarterback Taylor Martinez has made obvious improvement this season. But Michigan is the steadier team right now, and the better defensive squad. The Wolverines got over the hump last week against rival Michigan State, and they'll find a way to record a signature road win. Linebacker Jake Ryan recovers two Nebraska fumbles and Denard Robinson breaks off a long touchdown run in the fourth quarter as the Wolverines silence the Sea of Red. ... Michigan 26, Nebraska 24
Brian Bennett: The Legends Division race could get pretty boring if Michigan wins in Lincoln. One thing this league has not been this year is predictable. The Wolverines' recent conservative ways on offense will play into the hands of a Huskers defense that plays better when it knows what to expect. Martinez will pick on Michigan cornerbacks and turn in one of the finest moments of his career as Nebraska roars back from an early double-digit deficit to win. ... Nebraska 28, Michigan 23
Season records
Adam Rittenberg: 54-14 (.794)
Brian Bennett: 49-19 (.721)
Five storylines: Ohio State at Penn State
October, 25, 2012
10/25/12
9:00
AM ET
By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A look at the hot topics and pressing concerns as Ohio State prepares to hit the road for a trip to Penn State on Saturday (TV: ESPN, 5:30 p.m.).
On the line: There might not be a postseason appearance waiting for either team, but the Buckeyes and the Nittany Lions have set themselves up for the biggest game in the regular season and enter the weekend as perhaps the two best teams in the Big Ten. Wisconsin has put itself back in the division picture, but with both Ohio State and Penn State unbeaten in the league right now, the winner will be in prime position for some hardware -- even if it can't represent the Leaders Division when the regular season ends.
Hold on tight: Neither team has much of an affinity for easing off the pedal, and the breakneck, uptempo offenses both teams will employ could lead to some fireworks. The Nittany Lions have completely rebuilt their passing game under coach Bill O'Brien, who was worked wonders with Matt McGloin at quarterback and watched him develop into the leading passer in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have taken a different approach, focusing on their running game and averaging nearly 250 yards on the ground. But rushing or passing, neither team will make it easy for a defense to catch a breather.
On the line: There might not be a postseason appearance waiting for either team, but the Buckeyes and the Nittany Lions have set themselves up for the biggest game in the regular season and enter the weekend as perhaps the two best teams in the Big Ten. Wisconsin has put itself back in the division picture, but with both Ohio State and Penn State unbeaten in the league right now, the winner will be in prime position for some hardware -- even if it can't represent the Leaders Division when the regular season ends.
Hold on tight: Neither team has much of an affinity for easing off the pedal, and the breakneck, uptempo offenses both teams will employ could lead to some fireworks. The Nittany Lions have completely rebuilt their passing game under coach Bill O'Brien, who was worked wonders with Matt McGloin at quarterback and watched him develop into the leading passer in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have taken a different approach, focusing on their running game and averaging nearly 250 yards on the ground. But rushing or passing, neither team will make it easy for a defense to catch a breather.
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ABOUT BUCKEYE NATION
Austin Ward
Austin Ward joined ESPN.com in 2012 after five years as a college football writer at the Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune and the Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel. The award-winning journalist lives with his wife in Columbus, Ohio. Email him at ajward.espn@gmail.com.
Brad Bournival
Brad Bournival, a lifetime Northeast Ohio resident, joined ESPN in 2012 and is the recruiting writer for BuckeyeNation. He has covered sports at the professional, college and high school level for 16 years. Recently, Bournival was a freelance writer for The Plain Dealer, The Medina Gazette and SportsInk.com. Email him at bradbournival.espn@gmail.com.