“ Hell, there are no rules here – we’re trying to accomplish something…” ~ Thomas Edison
Leave it to Thomas Edison, an Ohioan and considered “The Father Of Invention”, to appropriately summarize the goals for the 2016 Ohio State football team. No rules – just accomplish something.
“Something” is a pretty vague and open concept. Considering how much talent Ohio State lost to graduation and the NFL Draft, considering how I have written throughout spring practice about how 44 players on Ohio State’s roster are either redshirt freshmen or true freshmen…Damn right, Mr. Edison. There are no rules. Ohio State fans are just looking to see what this team can accomplish against a much tougher schedule in 2016 than 2015, with tremendously talented, yet inexperienced, players.
**
at Penn State Nittany Lions (Game 7)
2016 OSU Opponent Ranking: 4 out of 12
Players Recruited By Ohio State: WR Saeed Blacknall, TE Mike Gesicki, OT Paris Palmer, OT Sterling Jenkins, DE Garrett Sickels, RB Saquon Barkley, OL Steven Gonzalez, OT Ryan Bates, DB Garrett Taylor, DE Shane Simmons. I am more than willing to bet I may have inadvertently missed on some players; please let me know and I am happy to correct my error(s).
Game Date: October 22, 2016
Kickoff Time: 8pm EST, telecast TBD on ABC, ESPN, or ESPN2
Location: Beaver Stadium
Rationale For The Ranking: Ohio State returns to University Park, Pennsylvania, for the first time since escaping in 2014 with a 31-24 victory in a double overtime period. Yes, I am blatantly and openly stating that Ohio State escaped with a victory, as even Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer has stated that the Buckeyes were fortunate to emerge with the win in such a tough environment.
Playing at Penn State in "White Out" conditions are nothing new for the Buckeyes. Ohio State played at Penn State under the lights in 2012, 2009, 2007, and 2005. Ohio State emerged as the victor in all of these games, except the 2005 contest. Below are some thoughts from Kevin McGuire, a fellow contributor to AthlonSports, on how tough it can be to play at Beaver Stadium...
To this day, the 2005 Penn State-Ohio State game remains the loudest game I have ever seen in person. Nothing has come close for me.— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) July 3, 2016
Prediction: Penn State's fans will be ready for this one, especially with the 2014 defeat so fresh in their collective memories. Throw in the bye week the Nittany Lions get before this game, while Ohio State will be coming off a tough road trip to Wisconsin. These are the type of games this young Ohio State team will use to accelerate their collective maturity and experience, as the Buckeyes approach the November stretch run.
Previous Rankings:
9 – Indiana
10- Rutgers
11- Bowling Green
12- Tulsa
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