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Sports and Competition
Source : (remove) : Sports Illustrated
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Sports and Competition
Source : (remove) : Sports Illustrated
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Penn State Opponent Preview: Ohio State Expects 'Fierce Competition' at QB

Penn State Opponent Preview: Ohio State Braces for Intense Quarterback Battle Ahead of Key Matchups

As the college football season approaches, the Ohio State Buckeyes find themselves in the spotlight once again, not just for their perennial championship aspirations but for a brewing quarterback competition that promises to shape their campaign. In this opponent preview for Penn State fans, we delve into the dynamics at play in Columbus, where head coach Ryan Day is navigating a fierce battle under center that could define the Buckeyes' fortunes, particularly in high-stakes games like their annual clash with the Nittany Lions.

At the heart of Ohio State's offseason narrative is the quarterback room, which has undergone significant turnover and now features a mix of experienced transfers and promising young talents vying for the starting role. Ryan Day, known for his offensive prowess and history of developing elite signal-callers like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, has emphasized that the competition will be wide open and intensely competitive. This approach stems from the departure of last year's starter, Kyle McCord, who transferred to Syracuse after a season that saw the Buckeyes fall short in their rivalry game against Michigan and miss out on the College Football Playoff. Day's philosophy is clear: the best performer will earn the job, regardless of pedigree or prior experience.

Leading the pack is Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State who brings a wealth of starting experience to the table. Howard, a 6-foot-5, 242-pound senior, started 27 games for the Wildcats, amassing over 5,000 passing yards and 48 touchdowns in his career. His dual-threat capabilities make him an intriguing fit for Day's system, which often relies on quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs while delivering accurate throws downfield. Howard's decision to join Ohio State was influenced by the opportunity to compete for a national title, and early reports from spring practices suggest he's adapting well to the Buckeyes' high-octane offense. However, Howard isn't without challengers. Devin Brown, a highly touted recruit from the 2022 class, has been waiting in the wings. Brown saw limited action last season, appearing in five games and throwing for 217 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. His athleticism and arm strength have drawn comparisons to past Ohio State greats, but consistency has been a point of emphasis for him during the offseason.

Adding depth and intrigue to the competition are younger prospects like Lincoln Kienholz and Julian Sayin. Kienholz, a redshirt freshman, impressed in limited snaps last year and could emerge as a dark horse if the frontrunners falter. Sayin, a true freshman and former Alabama commit who flipped to Ohio State, brings elite recruiting pedigree as a five-star talent. His poise and quick release have already turned heads in camp, though his inexperience at the college level might delay his ascent. Day has been vocal about fostering a competitive environment, stating in recent interviews that the battle will extend into fall camp and possibly the early games of the season. This uncertainty at quarterback is both a risk and an opportunity for Ohio State, as it pushes each player to elevate their game while potentially delaying the team's cohesion.

Beyond the quarterback drama, Ohio State's offense is loaded with weapons that could make life difficult for any defense, including Penn State's stout unit. The Buckeyes return a formidable wide receiver corps led by Emeka Egbuka, who opted to stay for his senior year after a junior season hampered by injuries. Egbuka's speed and route-running ability make him a matchup nightmare, and he's expected to be the primary target regardless of who wins the QB job. Joining him is Carnell Tate, a sophomore who flashed potential as a freshman with 18 catches for 264 yards and a touchdown. The addition of transfer Jeremiah Smith, widely regarded as the top wideout in the 2024 recruiting class, injects even more explosiveness. Smith's 6-foot-3 frame and exceptional ball skills could make him an immediate contributor.

In the backfield, Ohio State boasts one of the nation's best running back tandems in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Henderson, a junior, rushed for 926 yards and 11 touchdowns last season despite sharing carries, showcasing his burst and vision. Judkins, who transferred from Ole Miss, brings a bruising style with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons under his belt. This duo, combined with a veteran offensive line anchored by center Seth McLaughlin (a transfer from Alabama) and tackle Josh Simmons, should provide a balanced attack that keeps defenses honest. Tight end Gee Scott Jr. adds another dimension, offering reliability in the passing game.

Defensively, Ohio State is poised to be elite under coordinator Jim Knowles, who enters his third year with the program. The Buckeyes ranked second nationally in scoring defense last season, allowing just 11.2 points per game, and they return key pieces like defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau. Both opted to return for their senior seasons, forgoing the NFL Draft to chase unfinished business, including avenging losses to Michigan and potentially Penn State. Sawyer's pass-rushing prowess (6.5 sacks in 2023) and Tuimoloau's versatility make them cornerstones of the front seven. Linebacker Cody Simon provides leadership in the middle, while the secondary is bolstered by cornerback Denzel Burke and safety Caleb Downs, another high-profile transfer from Alabama. Downs, who earned Freshman All-American honors last year, brings playmaking ability to a unit that intercepted 11 passes in 2023.

Special teams could also play a pivotal role, with punter Jesse Mirco and kicker Jayden Fielding returning. Mirco's ability to flip the field and Fielding's accuracy (16-of-20 on field goals last year) add reliability in close contests.

Looking ahead to the matchup with Penn State, scheduled for November 2 in Happy Valley, Ohio State's quarterback situation will be under intense scrutiny. The Nittany Lions, led by quarterback Drew Allar and a defense that ranked among the best in the Big Ten, have historically given the Buckeyes fits. Penn State has lost the last seven meetings, but each has been competitive, often decided by slim margins. For Ohio State, resolving the QB battle early could allow them to build momentum through a tough non-conference slate that includes games against Akron, Western Michigan, and Marshall, before diving into Big Ten play with Oregon and Iowa.

Ryan Day's track record speaks for itself—three Big Ten titles and multiple playoff appearances—but the pressure is mounting after two straight losses to Michigan and no national championship since 2014. The Buckeyes' roster is arguably the most talented in the country, with depth at every position and a chip on their shoulder from last year's shortcomings. If the quarterback competition yields a clear winner who can harness this talent, Ohio State could be unstoppable. However, any prolonged uncertainty might expose vulnerabilities against disciplined teams like Penn State.

In terms of scheme, Day's offense remains rooted in spread concepts with RPO elements, designed to exploit mismatches and create big plays. Knowles' defense employs a 4-2-5 base with aggressive blitz packages, aiming to disrupt rhythms and force turnovers. This combination has made Ohio State a consistent powerhouse, but the integration of new pieces, especially at QB, will be crucial.

For Penn State fans, this preview underscores the challenge ahead. The Nittany Lions will need to pressure the Buckeyes' quarterback—whomever it may be—and contain their skill players to have a shot at an upset. Ohio State's expectations are sky-high: a Big Ten championship, a playoff berth, and redemption against rivals. The fierce QB competition is just the beginning of what promises to be a dramatic season in Columbus, one that could culminate in another epic showdown with Penn State under the lights.

As training camp ramps up, all eyes will be on how this battle unfolds. Will Howard's experience give him the edge? Can Brown seize the moment he's been preparing for? Or will a freshman phenom like Sayin surprise everyone? The answers will shape not only Ohio State's season but the landscape of the Big Ten and beyond. Penn State, meanwhile, must prepare for all possibilities, knowing that facing the Buckeyes means contending with a program built for excellence, quarterback questions notwithstanding. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/football/penn-state-opponent-preview-ohio-state-expects-fierce-competition-at-qb ]