A Rumble in the Horseshoe

Tomorrow night, you people all better have some major split-screen action going on or make sure you have two TVs in front of you, because as the Phillies take on the Rays here in Philadelphia for game 3 of the World Series, the undefeated Nittany Lions will be putting their national championship hopes on the line at Ohio State. Both at the same time.







Penn State is undefeated, ranked No. 3 in the country and has unquestionably the most balanced offensive attack in the Big 10, if not the country. They have a dual threat quarterback, three extremely talented senior wide receivers, the best running back no one has ever heard of, an incredible, senior-laden offensive line, two solid tight ends, a freshman burner and depth out the ass.

Defensively, the Nittany Lions have a steady stream of talented defensive linemen, a stud at linebacker in LaVorro, a solid secondary (Mark Rubin excluded) and some pretty darn athletic young linebackers (Josh Hull and Tyrell Sales excluded). They rank 8th in the nation in total defense and 11th in total offense. That's pretty damn good.

Ohio State has Beanie Wells, Tyrelle Pryor and Brian Robiskie, but beyond that, the offense has been underwhelming, excluding last weekend. Defensively, well, Ohio State is damn good. They rank 10th in the nation in total defense, so we'll call the defenses a push. But offensively, well, Ohio State sits at 92nd overall. Advantage: Penn State.

Now I know what everyone's thinking: This game is being played in Columbus, and the Lions have not faced anyone as good as Ohio State. Both valid points, but this team seems ready to show the nation it's for real. From The Daily Collegian:

"To continue to stay in the race for a Big Ten title, we're going to need this game," senior Lion wideout Deon Butler said. "So there's a lot at stake for both teams. I think just as hyped up as they are, we're going to be hyped up also."

…

"This is their game to get back on the map -- redemption to kind of put that USC loss behind them," Butler said. "But then I think on the flip side, it's our game to make a statement. A lot of people are saying maybe we haven't played a top-notch team yet."

It's their game to make a statement, just as Deon said. And while I don't necessarily have a great feeling about the game, this made me feel a little better. Penn State dominates most of that chart, so click the link you lazy bastards.

So, it's time for Penn State to go into the horseshoe and kick some ass. This one's for all the marbles: the Big 10 Title, a BCS Title Game Birth. What more could ask for? Give 'em hell JoePa.

And as always, LET'S GO PHILS!!!!!