Penn State is as much as a 17.5 point underdog at Ohio State on Saturday, something that has many Nittany Lions a little miffed including running back Evan Royster...
"It is kind of insulting. We have proven we can put points on the board and can win games. "A lot of people will take offense to it, and it makes us work harder."
...and quarterback Matthew McGloin.
"It's upsetting with a school like Penn State. It's ridiculous to me."
17.5 points seems a little generous, however, considering Penn State dropped decisions against No. 1 Alabama and No. 17 Iowa by identical 24-3 scores earlier this season. Nevertheless, both players believe they know how to exploit the Buckeyes' weaknesses on defense.
"We don't look at Ohio State as being any better than us," said Royster, who rushed for 346 yards in the past three games after totaling 388 in the previous six. "If we make the correct adjustments we can take advantage (of their blitzes), because sometimes they can run themselves out of the play and create some big gashes for us."
Royster has a career total of 129 yards on 36 carries in three games against Ohio State, an average of about 3.6 yards per carry. He will lead a Penn State rushing attack that will attempt to set up play action for McGloin and the passing game.
McGloin wants to keep the offense clicking.
"We have to play similar to how we played Michigan. We have to make sure our offense stays on the field."
The Buckeyes possessed the ball for 34:02 in last seasons game compared to Penn State's 25:58. The Ohio State defense also limited Penn State to 125 yards passing on 25 attempts. The Lions will have to improve on those numbers this season if they have any hopes of leaving Columbus with an upset win on Saturday.