Ohio State at Penn State stream, keys, and White Out predictions

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on before the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Kent State Golden Flashes at Beaver Stadium on September 15, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Keys for Penn State

Spread the ball out on offense

After losing Saquon Barkley, Mike Gesicki, and DaeSean Hamilton, everyone thought the Nittany Lions offense would take a major step back. The complete opposite has happened, and the Nittany Lions boast the top offense in college football.

Much of that has to do with quarterback Trace McSorley, who has 32 straight games with a passing touchdown, the longest active streak among FBS teams.

Replacing Barkley in the backfield is junior Miles Sanders, a former five-star recruit who was the number one recruit in Pennsylvania. James Franklin snagged the Pittsburgh native despite strong efforts from Alabama, Florida State, and Auburn, among others.

Sanders is sixth in the country in rushing after a 200-yard performance against Illinois last Friday.

The second weapon to watch is K.J. Hamler, a breakout redshirt freshman who has replaced the production of Hamilton. Not only does Hamler dominate as a receiver both from the slot and outside, but he’s a dynamic return artist, sitting third in the Big Ten averaging 31.5 yards per kick return.

McSorley also has Juwan Johnson on the outside and freshmen running backs Ricky Slade and Journey Brown.

Dominate Special Teams

Penn State showed why special teams matters in their 2016 win when Marcus Allen blocked a field goal attempt for a touchdown and caused the white out to spill onto the field at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State struggled to kick last year with Tyler Davis going just 9-17 on field goals. This year true freshman Jake Pinegar hasn’t had many opportunities to kick field goals, but he’s just 1-3, though perfect on extra points.

I mentioned Hamler earlier and his effectiveness as a returner, averaging more than 30-yards per kick return. He’s still looking for a return touchdown this year and he looks ready to break one out in prime time.

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