Desmond Howard explains why Saturday is Penn State's 'best opportunity to beat Ohio State'

The lone Top-10 game of this weekend’s slate is a massive matchup in the Big Ten between No. 7 Penn State and No. 3 Ohio State. With College GameDay on hand, Desmond Howard had to fire off some of his last takes before it gets underway.

Howard joined ‘Get Up’ on Friday morning and previewed the game between the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes. To start, he agreed with many by calling this the moment for James Franklin’s program to make a statement.

“I think, Penn State? This is their best opportunity to beat Ohio State,” Howard said.

Then, as far as a key matchup goes, Howard noted the battle on the outside between CB Kalen King and WR Marvin Harrison Jr.. With each of them being one of the best players at their respective positions, that’s one that he’s going to have his eyes on.

“They have a cornerback, Kalen King? He’s a shutdown corner, No. 4,” said Howard. “He’s probably a first-round draft pick. (King’s) going up against Marvin Harrison Jr. who some people think is wide receiver one, would be the first going off the board.”

When it comes down to it, though, Howard believes the game will be decided between Penn State’s defense and Ohio State’s offense. The Nittany Lions are number two in the nation by giving up just eight points per game this season. They’re also allowing under 200 yards overall. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes are scoring right at 36 points per game, which is Top-25 nationally. They do so by putting up almost 450 yards of offense a contest.

In the end, something has to give in The ‘Shoe tomorrow. That’s why, if the Ohio State offense can find a groove at home, Howard believes they’ll have a decent shot at coming out victorious and being the team that moves to 7-0 on the season.

“Listen, Penn State has one of the best defenses in the nation. Number one in total defense and number one against the pass. They’re great in run defense also,” Howard explained. “If Kyle McCord can move the ball against this defense and score touchdowns, not field goals, in the red zone? Then I think Ohio State will be okay.”

“The last time that we saw them in a big game? It was on the road at Notre Dame and they eked out a win against Notre Dame,” recalled Howard. “This is going to be an even bigger stage against Penn State tomorrow afternoon and 12 o’clock.”