James Franklin says possible return of Chop Robinson from injury would be 'valuable'

No. 13 Penn State could have a valuable member of its defense back for this week’s showdown against No. 2 Ohio State after a Chop Robinson injury kept the transfer out of the previous week’s game against Minnesota.

After transferring in from Maryland, the defensive end had logged 14 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss and a sack for the Nittany Lions in the first six games.

“Yeah, still early in the week but he was able to practice today,” coach James Franklin told reporters Wednesday. “Obviously you guys know he’s been an explosive playmaker for us on the defensive side of the ball.”

Robinson did not play in the team’s win over Minnesota, a last-second scratch after showing up to the field in sweatpants.

Franklin has not elaborated on the nature of his injury.

Suffice it to say, though, that having Robinson available against the Buckeyes would be a big deal. Ohio State features the nation’s most efficient passing attack, while ranking second in scoring offense (49.6 points per game) and fourth in total offense (517.4 yards per game).

Slowing down Ohio State won’t be easy.

“Obviously against this unit, their ability to throw the ball, being able to get pressure on the quarterback and make him uncomfortable in the pocket, that would be valuable,” Franklin said. “He’s also been valuable against the run, so we’re hopeful to have him.”

Chop Robinson injury return would help, but can Penn State exploit Ohio State’s defense?

The matchup between the high-flying Ohio State offense and the Penn State defense will be interesting enough — moreso if Chop Robinson’s injury doesn’t keep him from playing — but the matchup on the other side is equally fascinating.

The Buckeyes defense has statistically been among the best in the country.

However, at least one notable analyst believes Ohio State simply hasn’t been tested at all just yet. That’s former Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer, now a FOX analyst.

“But reality is Ohio State has not played an offense that can throw the ball,” Meyer said Wednesday on Urban’s Take with Tim May. “Not one. So I’m anxious to see what’s going to happen.”

Can Penn State be the team that finally puts the screws to Ohio State and reveals just how real that defense is? It’s definitely possible.

“So now they’re going to face Sean Clifford, who is experienced,” Meyer said. “He’s had an up-and-down career, but he had a really good game against Minnesota. He’s a veteran. He’s at home. Much different when you’re in the Horseshoe with 110,000 people and they play there. You can’t really check in and out of plays, communication is too hard.

“So I’m anxious to see will they take the same approach against a veteran quarterback.”