How Ohio State chooses to defend Saquon Barkley will determine the outcome of Saturday’s game

You’re definitely already aware of this, but it’s worth a reminder:

Saquon Barkley is very good.

You know it. I know it. The Ohio State coaching staff damn sure knows it.

Barkley is a transcendent talent that has the ability to put his team —or, quite literally, the other team— on his back, and is the main reason Penn State is one of the best teams in the country.

Penn State’s opponents have used a variety of strategies against Barkley this season, to various degrees of success. Iowa chose to let him run wild and clamp down on the rest of the Penn State offense. Northwestern and Indiana made it a point to try and limit his damage, and force other players to beat them. Meanwhile, Michigan tried to put a 6’4”, 242 linebacker in coverage against him. (Spoiler: It didn’t work out well.)

So which route will Ohio State take on Saturday?

On this episode of The Hangout in the Holy Land, Matt Brown and Colton Denning preview Ohio State/Penn State, and discuss how the Buckeyes might defend Barkley. The guys also break down other key matchups and more from the game, including:

• This being the moment where the passing game can finally prove that its turned the corner against a strong defense.
• Why the run game will flourish if J.T. Barrett and his receivers can connect early.
• Making the most of big plays against a Penn State defense that doesn’t give up many.
• What the guys think of the all-gray alternate uniforms, and more!

They also talk about times video games made them angry, and preview the rest of Week 9’s loaded slate of games!

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