Showdown in Columbus

With the Big Ten Title on the line and a possible berth in the BCS Championship at stake how does it get any bigger than Penn State at Ohio State?

5 Reasons this game's huge...

1. College Gameday will be there.
2. Chris "Beanie" Wells and Terrelle Pryor vs. Daryll Clark and Evan Royster
3. Joe Pa vs. The Vest
4. Night game at the shoe.
5. Big Ten Title and berth in the BCS Championship at stake.

Granted Ohio State has struggled in the spotlight but they have constantly been the king of the Big Ten. Now there is the resurgence of the Penn State Nittany Lions and they are looking to show that Ohio State isn't the only powerhouse in the Big Ten.

Lets take a look at both sides.

Ohio State
I'll start with the Ohio State Buckeyes. They have a lot to prove in this game because each year they believe they are a top team in the nation but they continue to get blown out on the biggest stages. If the Buckeyes want to make a case for themselves then they have to win this game. If not the doubters will continue to grow and the Buckeyes will continue to lose respect. So what do the Buckeyes have to do to win?

For starters they need to continue to play defense because Penn State's offense has been rolling all season as they have been able to put up 45 points per game. The Buckeyes need to limit the Penn State offense because the Buckeyes offense hasn't really been consistent. They had a breakout performance this past weekend at Michigan State but offense won't come as easily against the Nittany Lions defense.

The game will be decided by Chris Wells' ability to run the football and control the clock and Terrelle Pryor will have to continue to improve and limit mistakes. If Terrelle Pryor is able to play the way he did against Michigan State it could be big day for the Buckeyes. But ultimately this game is on Laurinaitis and the defense to stop Penn States explosive attack.

Penn State
Penn State in this game just has to continue doing what it has done all year long. They have been able to dominate every opponent they have faced because they have an explosive offense and a dominant defense that has only given up 12 points per game. Penn State also has an edge on offense because they have so many different weapons. It all starts with quarterback Daryll Clark who can run as well as pass. Then they have a running back in Evan Royster that ran for 174 yards against Michigan this past weekend. Also lets not forget the wideout position where Deon Butler, Derrick Williams and Jordan Norwood all have game changing capabilities.

In my opinion this game is on the defense of Penn State just like Ohio State. I say that because the offense will be there but the Nittany Lions defense needs to find a way to shut down Chris Wells. If they allow him to run free then Penn State will be in trouble. I also believe that Penn State is capable of forcing some mistakes out of Terrelle Pryor as they are the toughest defense Ohio State will face since USC.

-This game could go either way and wait until later this week when I post my Week 9 Picks to see who I think will win this showdown.