11W Mailbag: Taking Questions on Penn State's White Outs, Ohio State's Passing Game and How to Contain Saquon Barkley

It was awesome being in Madison witnessing the Buckeyes win, wasn't it? —  BeatTTUN

The outcome of the game wouldn't have mattered to me as I get paid to be objective and simply report on what happens but yes, Madison was awesome. Anytime I hear someone wavering on whether or not to go there to watch a football game I'll push hard for it. If you haven't gone—go. You won't be disappointed.

At this point do you see Nick Bosa getting more snaps like the 80-90 percent range? The kid is too dominant not to have on the field both in run and passing situations, and it is weird to say that because he is only a freshman. To piggyback off of this question what do you think is the main reason why we haven't seen him with a higher snap count yet? Is it more so him just getting up to speed as a freshman or more that they are being cautious with ramping up his playing time due the knee injury last year? —  Diz_20Buckeyes and BuckeyeCWRU

It is 100 percent about his knee, at least that's what both Urban Meyer and Larry Johnson have said. And even though Bosa is an animal just like his brother we have to remember he is just a freshman. He is certainly ahead of the other defensive linemen in his class but now that Ohio State is in Big Ten play and readying for the second half of the regular season the staff doesn't want to wear him out.

Johnson said during training camp and last month that Bosa is on a "pitch count" with regard to practice reps as he continues strengthening that knee. Plus, if Bosa plays more snaps that means fewer snaps for Michael Hill, Dre'Mont Jones, Robert Landers, DaVon Hamilton or even to a lesser degree Jalyn Holmes, Sam Hubbard and Tyquan Lewis. I'm not sure that's what you want because all of those guys are really good players.

Do you know how Urban Meyer won national championships at Florida and how Nick Saban is doing it now at Alabama? By recruiting top defensive linemen talent, developing it and rotating it constantly throughout the game to wear people down. That is what Ohio State is doing right now. I believe this is the first time in Meyer's tenure the Buckeyes have the ability to do so freely.

Bosa is certainly part of the rotation and playing well. Holmes, Hubbard, Lewis, Jones, Landers and the others are too. That's better than playing a freshman more snaps, in my opinion. Ohio State isn't in a position where it has to do that and risk a re-injury of his knee.

What is the point of a White Out anyway? Is Ohio State supposed to be intimidated by a bunch people dressed like they are going to a beach party in the Hamptons?  — BuckeyeIn NY

I've never been to the Hamptons, let alone a party there, so I have no idea if Ohio State is supposed to be intimidated like that when they enter Beaver Stadium under a White Out fray.

I do however believe it is Penn State's goal to intimidate their opponents when they call for their fans to wear white and scream their heads off for a night game. It is their home field advantage and you cannot fault them for trying to use that to help their team.

And, as the resident Marionaire on staff researched and noted back in April, things haven't always worked out in Penn State's favor when they push for a White Out. The Nittany Lions are 5-7 in White Outs since they started holding them in 2004, including 1-2 against the Buckeyes.

I've been to two White Outs (2012 and 2014) and can say with confidence that both games were #lit and it was due to the student section and their pom-poms. I watched the final five minutes and overtimes two years ago on the field when Penn State took the lead and feared for my life because a field-storming was imminent until J.T. Barrett and Joey Bosa said it wasn't.

Here we are again playing away, at night, against a team coming off a bye week.  With the extra time to prepare do you see Penn State kind of copy Wisconsin in the sense of rolling out 3-4 different offensive concepts/formations that they haven't shown all year? — BlockO330

If James Franklin is worth anything as a big-time, big-game head coach (debatable) then yes. Penn State's defense is significantly depleted and nowhere near what it was two years ago when Ohio State played in State College so if Franklin has any hope at keeping the game close he'll need his offense to score early and often.

As mentioned in the thread by 11Wer Moutarde Penn State could throw something out like the triple option just to see how Ohio State's ends deal with it. Tracy McSorley is fairly mobile (186 yards rushing and three touchdowns this season) and Saquon Barkley is terrific. But that takes a lot of time to install and become really good at, so don't expect the triple option be a consistent thing but maybe a wrinkle that could help Penn State move the ball.

Just how good is PSU's defense? They handled Maryland but did not have an answer for Michigan. — MercyTex

Maryland isn't really that great, to be honest. D.J. Durkin's first four wins as a head coach: Howard, at Florida International, at Central Florida and Purdue. Yawn, yawn, not bad and yawn. Since then, the Terrapins have lost two straight, once at Penn State and then at home by three touchdowns to Minnesota who had to play its backup quarterback.

Penn State also beat Minnesota in overtime but allowed 469 yards doing it. That's a ton. A week earlier, Michigan racked up 515 total yards (326 rushing), which you alluded to in your question. So I don't really peg the Nittany Lions defense as that outstanding, which is totally different than the last time Ohio State went to Happy Valley.

They have 16 sacks (tied for fifth in the Big Ten) spread among 13 players but nearly half of those (seven) came against Kent State in the season opener, who is bad.

Also, basically every linebacker on the roster is injured. More on that in a moment.

Schematically, what did Penn State do last year to get Saquon Barkley so many yards, and how do you think Greg Schiano, Luke Fickell and company will try to stop it this year? How important is it for the OSU defense to totally shut down Barkley? — Moutarde and DCBuckeye33

I think Barkley just made some really great plays last season, with breaking contain and shedding some tackles. Penn State's offensive line also played well in the running game and I think Ohio State wanted to be sure it wasn't going to get beat through the air. The injury to Joshua Perry early hurt the Buckeyes too because that guy is a tackling machine.

Penn State's wide receivers this season are solid but Schiano and Fickell trust their defensive backs to play man coverage. They'll have to be on point Saturday night so Ohio State's linebackers can pay attention to Barkley. I expect some variable blitzes from Fickell and Schiano to put Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker in place to make plays. Then they'll trust that those guys can tackle Barkley, because that's the biggest key of getting him down. (real groundbreaking stuff, I know)

Shutting him down is essential if Ohio State wants to win the game. I'm not exactly sold on McSorley throwing the ball yet, though he has made some plays this season. Everything Penn State does offensively depends on how well Barkley can run the ball. He ran it well last season but it didn't matter because Ohio State's offense put up some points in that game.

How does Meyer get the team back up from an emotional win on the road in OT to go to another hostile environment where you are playing a team who had a bye week again and puts everything into this week? — Buckeye06

That is the biggest question/issue this week I think for Ohio State. Penn State is not on the same level as Wisconsin but it had two weeks to prepare and rest while the Buckeyes basically lost a day of preparation with how late they got back to Columbus after the game Saturday night.

But I think there are two coaches in the country that can get their guys ready regardless the situation: Meyer and Nick Saban. Their coaching staffs are excellent, so I think Meyer is going to trust those guys to prepare their players without working them too much so they're not tired come Saturday night. Meyer will find ways to motivate too, don't worry. Didn't you know he has a degree in psychology?

What are your thoughts on American diplomacy in the Middle East? Please compare and contrast the recent escalation in the Yemen civil war with American and Russian involvement in Syria, as well as your recommendations as to what a new administration should do differently. Cite your sources. — BrutusB

Shout out to Buckeye Scottie for typing Frank's quote in the mailbag thread. I instantly thought of this scene when I read the question. And sorry, I don't really want to touch on the American diplomacy in the Middle East for fear of being told to #sticktosports.

Is the PSU WR/TE group really that good, or have they benefitted from an otherwise light schedule? Instead of saying this is the best group we've seen, should it be flipped to, they haven't seen a group of DBs like OSU? — RK84 and OsuSam77

I think DaeSean Hamilton, Chris Godwin and DeAndre Thompkins are all really good players but their numbers (all at least 200 yards receiving and a touchdown) are a little inflated due to the schedule. Godwin is the only one of the three to record a 100-yard receiving game, doing so against Temple. But each of them can play a little bit, I'll give them that.

On the other hand, I honestly think Penn State's biggest weapon in the passing game is tight end Mike Gesicki. He is tied with Godwin for the team lead in receptions in 23 and has 277 yards in six games, along with two touchdowns. McSorley loves throwing the ball to him too and most of it is because he is a matchup problem. I love his game, mainly because I am a former tight end myself, but Gesicki can be an issue for Ohio State on Saturday.

Godwin had more than 1,000 yards receiving last season, only the third wide receiver at Penn State to do that—ever. Seed Blacknall is a deep threat but returned for the first time in a month last week due to an injury.

Your point of view is the glass half-full approach and I think Penn State hasn't faced too many great defensive backfields this season outside of Michigan. In that game, McSorley went 16-for-27 for only 121 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Not that great.

Penn State's wide receivers are talented. But so is Ohio State's secondary. Should be a good battle on Saturday.

We've heard a lot about the high-level of play by the Nits' receivers this week, do you think their O-line can actually protect against the Rushmen long enough for them to be a factor in this game? — KansasBuckeye

Penn State's offensive line has been absolutely dreadful since Franklin took over. Hackenberg got sacked 39 times in 13 games last season and 44 times in as many outings the year before. That is absolutely horrendous.

The group is better this year due to some continuity and a new line coach, Matt Limegrover. Four starters are also back, which never hurts no matter how poorly they played a year before, but the best one (tackle Andrew Nelson) is done for the season with a knee injury. The move to more of a spread attack helped but Ohio State's defensive line is turning into one of the best units on its defense despite so many new faces. That rotation will be key, as Larry Johnson's guys must get to McSorley and not allow him to get comfortable.

I think eventually that rotation will wear down the line, as we saw last week at Wisconsin.

Two questions: 1) I understand there is a white out in effect in College Park, Pa this weekend. What should a Buckeyes be wearing? Scarlet? Black? Embrace the white out? 2) Will the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Facilities (APSCUF) union strike effect the game at all? Will any coaches for Penn State be striking? What about the grounds crew, etc.? — Eustace

In a perfect world, Ohio State would wear the all white uniforms they wore two years ago against Penn State—the cocaine whites, as DJ calls them—but I believe the program sold them at auction along with the black uniforms. Expect the regular road whites on Saturday night, the same ones the Buckeyes wore last week in Madison.

I had not heard about the APSCUF union strike until you mentioned it. I don't think that will play into the game on Saturday at all though because in my quick research Penn State is not involved.

Meyer said it best, "I wish they would save the White Outs for another opponent." Do you think PSU looks at OSU as their biggest rival? I know OSU doesn't see it that way but why else would they always White Out Beaver Stadium when the Buckeyes come to town? Does Penn State have a rival? If so, who? — Gwolkoff5 and Ronnie

I think Penn State looks at Ohio State as a rival, especially now since both teams are in the same division. The chances the Buckeyes are ranked high when they visit State College are usually pretty good, Beaver Stadium is almost always a packed house so calling for a White Out seems normal to them. And I don't know if you notice but there is always a pretty strong bit of hate towards Ohio State unless you're an Ohio State fan.

Every team gives the Buckeyes their best shot because they usually win, especially under Meyer. Putting on a White Out is a great way to increase an already stellar home-field advantage.

Penn State's other rival: Pittsburgh. Even if its independent, student-ran media outlet doesn't think so.

Pitt, at least in its current state, is simply not good enough to be Penn State's rival. We deserve better. https://t.co/2o9M5VFKJ9

— Onward State (@OnwardState) September 8, 2016​​

Is this the week the Buckeyes get their passing game rolling? — MongosMagic

I enjoy getting questions like this because it is representative of what I'm sure is a significant part of the fanbase. Yes, Ohio State's passing game has struggled to hit passes down the field this season against better competition. But friends: It's not all that terrible. I promise.

The Buckeyes lead the Big Ten in the following categories: completion percentage (63.5 percent, which is 24th best in the nation) and passing touchdowns (17, tied for 13th in the country), passer rating (157.5, 14th nationally). I understand concerns about the inconsistencies and reliance on the run game (namely J.T. Barrett's ability to run putting him in harm's way) but those statistics look pretty good to me.

I also know some of them are skewed because of playing a bad Bowling Green team but Barrett has made some really great plays the last few weeks with his arm. The throws to Marcus Baugh and Dontre Wilson on the run and the game-winner to Noah Brown were terrific against Wisconsin. He also finished that game completing 9 of his last 10 passes. That is impressive against a really strong defense.

But to answer your question I don't think this is the game the passing attack gets "rolling" but I say that because Ohio State can run it so well and is going to keep doing that. The receivers have to play better and Barrett does too. But there is still a lot of football left to be played.

Do you expect the yearly tradition of Pick-Six University to continue? If so, who is your call? — BuckeyeSki and KBonay

Ohio State hasn't returned an interception for a touchdown against Penn State since 2012 when Ryan Shazier picked off Matt McGloin and ran it back 17 yards for a score. So I'm not quite sure if it is tradition anymore but do remember watching Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Gamble slam the door on the Nittany Lions as a #teen with pick-sixes. (lol Anthony Morelli and Zack Mills)

Ohio State did pick off Hackenberg twice in 2014 but failed to last season. I don't think it will this year either because Penn State isn't throwing the ball at that much.

How many picks do the B.I.A. get this week? Will Urban ever give Jay Paterno a job? What is a Nittany Lion? — Smartone29

I think the secondary will get one interception, just not return it for a touchdown. And no, Paterno won't ever work for Meyer.

A Nittany Lion is a lion that supposedly used to climb Mount Nittany, which is a local landmark near State College. Their mascot looks odd, though and I'm sure the suit gets rather smelly.

In a NCAA type bracket of most annoying fanbases, who should get the No. 1 overall seed? Penn State's, Notre Dame's, or TTUN's? — UrbanRenewal

Penn State's going away. I shouldn't have to tell you why. If you're clueless, read this.

As much as we all want to see Barrett & Zone 6 get going full-tilt, do you think the Buckeyes go run heavy on the Nits 103rd ranked rush defense? I mean, if UM's average attack can drop 300+ on them, then imagine what Sam-Web & Barrett can do? — Barnsey69

Yes. I expect Ohio State to run the ball and run it a bunch. Mike Weber should play a huge role in this game and as we continue to see, so will Barrett. Expect Curtis Samuel on the edge a ton too with how depleted Penn State is at linebacker. Ohio State would be foolish not to test that group, which has seen seven players get injured this season, on the edge. A few guys are out for the season, they moved a safety to linebacker to bridge the gap and a couple of returning starters are back from injury this week but probably might not play much of a factor since they missed a month.

This was touched on with Urban's press conference Monday a bit but how does the schedule change with back-to-back road games? This year's schedule is very odd with Home, Home, Away, Away, Home, Home, Away Away, Home finish. — D1145Fresh

I'm not sure how the schedule works in regards to there being back-to-back road games on it but will say the new nine-game conference schedule shook things up this season. There are some oddities in every team's schedule but they should get worked out once a few more years go by.

The back-to-back road night games is just a product of the Meyer era at Ohio State. He loves night games for recruiting purposes and the Buckeyes are really good. Television networks are going to want them to keep playing in primetime.

J.T. had success when the protection broke down and he began to leave the pocket against the badgers. Do you think the staff will roll him out more to see if this helps the passing game? Also, how worried is the staff about the wear and tear on J.T.? This team cannot survive with him taking hits all night long, every game. With that, has J.T. been missing reads or are the downfield receivers been not getting open? — Buckguyfan1 and Gobucks96

I think they should roll him out more to create mismatches for guys like Samuel who come in motion across the formation but not do it to the short side of the field. That happened a few times earlier this year and each time I scratch my head. Why willingly help the defense by taking away half the field?

The staff should be very worried about how many hits he takes and Meyer said a few times during training camp Barrett ran too much last year. Twelve carries is the perfect number for him according to Meyer but he totaled 47 in the last two weeks combined. A Meyer-coached quarterback has never made it through an entire season without missing time due to injury, so that is working against them. It is a delicate balance because when things get tight, Meyer usually closes things up, gives the ball to his quarterback and says 'go win the game.'

And I think Barrett has missed some reads in the passing game but his receivers aren't doing that great of a job of creating separation either. That was especially apparent against Indiana and last week against Wisconsin until late in the game. I've always been against rotating so many guys at wide receiver because it prevents the quarterback from establishing the proper rapport and trust with key ones when things are close. I know why Ohio State does it (to keep their guys fresh) but still makes it tough sometimes I think.

Overall, Barrett needs to throw the deep ball better. But his receivers are the bigger issues right now, in my opinion.

Best possible game day occurrence: OSU kickoff return TD; OSU blocked punt TD; OSU pick-six; Rushmen sack for safety; or lion "roaring" thing broken beyond repair? — GOOMBAY

The latter. I hate that damn thing. It's extremely annoying, even in the press box. At least they are consistent. I guess?

Who is more likely to get their starting job back when healthy? Dante Booker or Tony Romo? Does Booker redshirt? — UrbanRenewal and HeTuck

Man, really good questions here. I think I'll go with Tony Romo because he is due a crap ton of money (north of $60 million) from Dallas and Dante Booker is not. Jerome Baker is playing very well in Booker's place too. So even though Meyer said on Wednesday that Booker will play on Saturday it's going to be hard for Baker to give up the starting spot.

Also, I have this thing in my brain that says the only way defenses don't create issues for a quarterback that has a great rookie season in the years following is if said quarterback is elite. I'm not sold on Dak Prescott being elite, even though he is having a terrific season.

What are your (and other 11W staffers) thoughts on advanced CFB stats like S&P+ and F/+? There is some discussion among the commentariat that references these stats, but do you guys every use them in previews/analysis pieces? — AJW_16

I don't check them too much personally, but know that Kyle Jones does as he assesses his Xs and Os. He also sees that side of football much more than I do when he watches film. Sometimes I make reference to them in previews and he does in his Film Study posts more often.

Overall, I think those metrics are excellent and I should use them more.

I have only watched PSU and Trace McSorley a few times this year. He's a lot more mobile than we have faced so far. What is the game plan to contain him and as always - what's your score prediction? — Seattle Linga

Ohio State has to keep McSorley in the pocket, much like Baker Mayfield at Oklahoma a month ago. I think Mayfield is a much better athlete and playmaker but don't sleep on McSorley. He's played pretty well this season, his first as a starter.

McSorley is going to look like Mayfield on Saturday to me because I'm so used to seeing the statue that is Hackenberg play quarterback for Penn State. But I think Ohio State is going to trust that its edge rushers keep contain and not implement anything too different.

You'll see this with Meyer and his team; he believes that his guys are more talented and he has recruited well that they will eventually win regardless with how straightforward or simple their game plans are on both sides of the ball. That's not a bad thing either—the Buckeyes are one of the most talented teams in the country for a reason.

I think Jalyn Holmes, Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard are in for huge games.

Give me Ohio State 38, Penn State 21. Barkely will score a few times but Ohio State's offense is too good for a depleted Nittany Lion defense to hang.

At what point does PSU realize that James Franklin is garbage and the hot seat officially heats up?  — TimHBomb

I have no idea. In my opinion, his biggest win to date as Penn State's head coach was two weeks ago against a then-undefeated Maryland team. He still as Penn State's full support, however, at least according to his higher ups.

My biggest thing with Penn State is it doesn't have an identity as a football team. Franklin never could make it work with Christian Hackenberg at quarterback. Now that he has his guy in there, where does it go from here? Are they a spread, uptempo team? Do they have enough speed and outside skill to do that? Some pieces are in place but I'm not sold.

Franklin needs a win like one against Ohio State on Saturday night desperately. If he continues to be second fiddle to Michigan, Michigan State and the Buckeyes (he will) I think his seat will get warm soon enough.

With your guy's little TV gig in high swing, do all three of you follow suit and "partake" before starting, or is that just D.J.?  — Gratefulbuck

I assume you're talking about Eleven Warriors Live since I don't think drinking on actual live television would be smart for anyone. The Internet is more casual, as they say.

But Chris had a beverage with him during our first show last Thursday, you just couldn't see it off camera. Tom Knox (who you should follow on Twitter) did too. And yesterday, everyone did except me. I chose not to because don't want to give off the vibe that I drink during work hours. That's not a slight toward D.J., Chris, Tom or anyone else but just thinking about my future as a writer.

Or maybe I'm just a wuss. You can believe that too. Yeah, I'm a wuss.

Thanks as always for your questions. See you next week.