Ohio State allowed its fair share of plays over the middle in a 31-16 loss to Oklahoma earlier this season, many of which came on run-pass option plays.
More than a month later, the Buckeyes are preparing for a similar offense from Penn State. The Nittany Lions have a number of offensive weapons that benefit from their RPO offense, but perhaps none more in the passing game than tight end Mike Gesicki.
Through seven games this season, Gesicki has reeled in 24 passes for 228 yards and four scores, which is tied for the team lead. A former standout volleyball player, Gesicki's ability to go up and high-point a football is almost unmatched in college football. Ohio State defensive coordinator and former Penn State assistant Greg Schiano said Tuesday that in order to slow Gesicki down, the Buckeyes will have to guard him with multiple people.
"He makes catches that men (who play) inside usually can't make," Schiano said. "We just have to have different ways to try and get people on him because he has the skill set of a wide receiver."
One of those defenders that Ohio State will likely put on Gesicki is junior linebacker Jerome Baker. Baker got a good look at Gesicki a season ago in State College, Pa., when the tight end caught four passes for 48 yards in a 24-21 upset win over the Buckeyes.
Baker said Tuesday that he is looking forward to the challenge of defending Gesicki and a Penn State offense that features numerous offensive weapons.
"He can definitely go get the ball. That’s just another weapon they have," Baker said. "But it's college football, everybody has good players. It’s going to be a good game."
"He makes catches that men (who play) inside usually can't make."– Greg Schiano on Mike Gesicki.
At 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, Gesicki's athleticism provides Penn State with a matchup nightmare anywhere on the field. While he is a recipient of many RPOs from quarterback Trace McSorley, he is perhaps most dangerous when given man-to-man coverage so that he can win a 50/50 ball in the air.
Baker, who stands just 6-foot-1 and is a likely candidate to defend Gesicki at times Saturday, said the key to defending the Penn State tight end will be attacking him with a more rugged style of play.
"Don’t allow it to be a jump ball. Be physical, and don’t give him the chance to jump like that," Baker said. "When it's that high, it is going to be a tough one, but you have to play through his hands and some way, get it out.”
This isn't the first time Ohio State has played an athletic, game-breaking tight end this season. Oklahoma tight end Mark Andrews left the game early with an injury and did not return, but did make two catches for 23 yards before exiting.
Penn State has shown multiple unique offensive looks this season, some of which have been in an effort to get the ball to Gesicki or its Heisman Trophy candidate, Saquon Barkley. Baker said for Ohio State's defense, playing assignment football will be key for the Buckeyes to come away with a win against the Nittany Lions on Saturday.
"The good thing about our defense is, it's simple," Baker said. "If you do your job and know your rules, it works out. If you just follow your rules and do your job, pretty much any play you can defend. It's going to be a good one on Saturday."
