Players To Watch: Ohio State
There’s so much talent on Urban Meyer’s No. 1 ranked Ohio State State Buckeyes that it’s incredibly hard to single out just a few. This team carries four potential first round picks in next year's draft, a challenge James Franklin’s Nittany Lions have yet to face this season. Under the bright lights of the Horseshoe during prime time, can this young Penn State team rise up to the challenge and knock off the number one team in the country?
Here are just a few of the Ohio State Buckeye’s Penn State is game-planning for this weekend.
Cardale Jones, QB
After leading the Buckeyes to the National Championship, Cardale Jones came back for his junior season and beat out J.T. Barrett for the starting quarterback job. Jones has played somewhat inconsistently thus far, averaging nearly a turnover per every touchdown accounted for. Regardless of his turnover issues, he’s still a legitimate threat to Penn State’s defense. He commands the pocket very well and uses a decent amount of mobility to shake away defenders. Arm strength is a plus for Jones as well. If he could improve on one major thing, it would be his ball placement. His inability to lead receivers has led to those costly turnovers.
Ezekiel Elliot, RB
Ezekiel Elliot is vastly considered a top three running back in the college game today. He’s fourth in college football in rushing yards with 835 and third in rushing touchdowns with ten. He’s rushed for over 100 yards in every game this season, even eclipsing 274 yards against Indiana. A “tough” runner with excellent vision, Elliot will have to be able to beat the steady Penn State defensive line if he’s going to succeed tonight. If he’s able to do so, it could spell trouble for the Nittany Lions Saturday night.
Joey Bosa, DE
Depending on who get’s the first overall pick in the NFL draft, Joey Bosa could easily go number one overall. Despite being suspended for Ohio State’s first game this season and not putting up the big time numbers we’re accustomed to seeing, Bosa is still a hot name among scouts and teams across the NFL. He’s one of those quick defenders who is involved in every play and can “smell” the ball. Like every college player, he does have his inconsistencies. Not getting off the line fast enough and staying in his running lanes are two of the things he will have to continue to develop if he wishes to be that number one overall pick. He’ll surely be a handful for the Nittany Lions offensive line.
Braxton Miller, H-Back
What a transformation we have seen from Braxton Miller. His incredible athleticism is put on display as he moves from a Heisman Trophy-caliber quarterback to an electric receiver for Ohio State. We all saw the spin move he pulled out in the season opener against Virginia Tech. He’s going to be a really tough guy to cover since he’s so quick off the line, so watch out for those inside slants and bubble screens early.
Michael Thomas, WR
After Devin Smith declared for the NFL draft, we weren’t really sure who would take over in the Ohio State receiving corps. With multiple receivers out of the Buckeye’s opener, Michael Thomas stepped up and had a big touchdown. Since then, he’s worked his way up the depth chart and into Ohio State’s top three all-purpose yards leaders. He leads the team in both receiving yards and touchdowns with 400 and four, respectively. While those stats may not blow you away at this point in the season, the threat he possesses is still a great one.
Other Ohio State Players to Watch For: Adolphus Washington (DL), Jalin Marshall (WR), Raekwon McMillan (LB), Taylor Decker (OT)
George Stockburger is a junior majoring in journalism with a focus in broadcasting. He can be reached at gos5187@psu.edu
