Scouting report: Will OSU, Penn State defenses show up?

COLUMBUS – Zero.

Given the video game-type exploits of Ohio State's offense so far this season, zero is the last number coach Urban Meyer expected to confront this week.

He was asked in his Monday press conference about the starting linebackers having no tackles in Saturday's 49-6 win over Tulane. He seemed alarmed.

"Zero tackles?"

What goes through your mind when you hear that?

"I did not know that," Meyer said. "That’s a question to ask (defensive coordinator Greg) Schiano. I know they didn’t play that much, probably, but that’s interesting ... I don't have any answer for that."

The Buckeyes, obviously, will have to find one quickly because Saturday night's showdown at Penn State not only has Big Ten and playoff ramifications but also features the top two scoring offenses in the nation.

To say Ohio State's back seven on defense hasn't played up to typical OSU standards would be an understatement. Part of the problem is the Buckeyes are young in several spots and two key players — middle linebacker Tuf Borland (Achilles) and safety Jordan Fuller (hamstring) — got off to slow starts because of injuries. Others, like outside linebacker Pete Werner, cornerback Jeff Okudah and safety Isaiah Pryor, are still finding their way.

And this will be the first big test for the Buckeyes without All-America end Nick Bosa. He's expected to be out several more weeks after having surgery last week for a core injury.

It will be up to the front four to not only disrupt Trace McSorley, who is touted by some analysts as the best quarterback in the nation, but also running back Miles Sanders. Penn State's leading rusher in all four games, Sanders rushed for a career-high 200 yards and three touchdowns in last week's 63-24 win over Illinois and shared Big Ten Player of the Week honors with Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins.

Penn State might have even bigger problems than OSU on defense. The combination of inexperienced veterans with a bunch of young guys makes the Lions a work in progress on that side of the ball.

David Jones, who covers Penn State for PennLive.com, wrote that with late heroics needed to beat Kent State and usual doormat Illinois rushing for 245 yards and scoring 24 points in a span of 2.5 quarters, the Lions "are going to need a defensive transfusion bordering on the supernatural."

Sounds like it could be a big night for Ohio State's tailback duo of J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber, who Meyer said will play after suffering a foot sprain against Tulane.

At least Penn State's fans are ready.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Nittanyville, the Penn State student tent city that sets up outside of Beaver Stadium, had 704 campers for its week-long wait for Saturday's game.

Previously called Paternoville, the tent city has been around for two decades. The 704 campers is the most since 934 waited outside for the Michigan game last season and it's higher than the 666 that camped out for the 2015 visit from the Buckeyes. 

Key matchup

Dwayne Haskins vs. Trace McSorley: This game will likely come down to which Heisman Trophy contender plays best.

It would be hard to ask for more from Haskins than what we've seen in the first four starts of his career. He's second in the nation with 16 touchdown passes and is completing 75 percent of his passes with only one interception. 

Behind Haskins, the attack has put up 40 or more points and 500 or more yards in each of its first four games. The Buckeyes rank No. 3 in total offense (599.0 ypg), No. 2 in scoring (54.5 ppg) and No. 6 in passing offense (36.5 8 ypg).

J.T. Barrett completed his last 16 passes as OSU rallied from 18 points down for a 39-38 victory over Penn State last year. It's impossible to be more accurate than that, but Haskins sure seems to be.

As for McSorley, he owns the longest active FBS streak for consecutive games with a touchdown pass at 32. He's responsible for 14 of Penn State's 30 touchdowns (6 running, 8 passing) and is the guy you want leading your team inside the red zone. The Lions have scored on 22 straight trips inside the 20, including 21 touchdowns.

Key to victory, OSU: Clean things up

The Buckeyes were flagged 10 times for 89 yards against Tulane, including two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. In a series where three of the last four meetings have been decided by seven points or less, that kind of sloppiness could cost them.

Key to victory, PSU: Start fast

The Lions have been a second half team, but if they wait to get going against a team the caliber of Ohio State, it might be too late. The Lions lead the nation in scoring offense after the band show, averaging 35.5 points. That's 10 points higher than the next best team. 

Since surrendering 28 points to Appalachian State in the fourth quarter of the season opener, the Lions have outscored opponents 70-0 in the final period. For the season, PSU is outscoring foes 142-35 in the second half.