Ohio State: Barrett, Ground Game Powers Past Penn State

Oct 17, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback

(14) passes in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Rapid Reactions: Penn State’s 1st Half

QB Christian Hackenberg is tough, but he did not look like a 1st round draft prospect at all. 3/7 for 51 yards is not the type of performance a highly touted prospect puts up. Much like Jones, he benefits from great measurables and the perception that he is a good quarterback. But is he really?

He ended the 1st half having increased the number of times being sacked to 86 times in his career. You do have to ask, is that talent not showing up because he’s been beaten up over the course of two and a half seasons?

Penn State exploited Ohio State’s weaknesses against the run. That was all made worse by the loss of LB Josh Perry to injury. RB Saquon Barkley had 11 carries for 63 yards, but had his best run called back for holding after he scampered 44 yards for a would be touchdown.

This is the same offensive line that has allowed Hackenberg to get beaten up all year, but was pushing the Buckeye front all over the place.

Barkley’s best runs came when he pressed the hole over the guard and bounced to the edge. You would think Ohio State’s speed would eliminate those runs, but their pursuit against the run has left a lot to be desired.

Next: Rapid Reactions: Ohio State's 2nd Half