Penn State at Ohio State: 4 things to watch for on Saturday

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LINCOLN, NE – OCTOBER 14: Footballs for the Ohio State Buckeyes before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Can the Buckeyes keep the turnovers down?

Ohio State themselves doesn’t have issues with turnovers. J.T. Barrett has only thrown one interception and the backs have taken care of the ball. Penn State, however, averages 2.6 forced turnovers per game, third best in the country. Penn State’s defense has been great all year and if they can grab a few free possessions, it makes that defense even more dangerous.

On the year, Penn State’s defense has been among the top units in the country:

2nd in yards per play allowed
1st in points per game allowed
7th in passing yards per game allowed
5th in fumbles recovered per game

For the Buckeyes, it’s strength on strength across the board. It’s always true that limiting turnovers is a key to success and against a Penn State defense that grabs a lot of them, it’s even more important. Last season’s game hinged on a blocked field goal, a turnover of sorts. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the 2017 match up had a similar pivotal moment.

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