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O T H E R M A T C H U P S THE LOWDOWNPenn State has two of the four top punt returners in the Big Ten in DeAndre Thompkins and Hamler, who both average 18.8 yards per attempt. The Lions also rank first in the conference with an average of 29.9 yards per kickoff return. Blake Gillikin is one of the top punters in the country, averaging 43.6 yards per punt. Sophomore Drue Chrisman averages 42.4 yards per punt for Ohio State. The one area where the Buckeyes may have a big advantage is with PK Sean Nuernberger. He's an experienced senior who has hit 3 of 4 attempts so far this season. Penn State's Jake Pinegar has converted all 31 extra point attempts, but only 1 of 3 field goals. // EDGE Penn State SPECIAL TEAMS THE LOWDOWNIt's a prime time White Out game, and that atmosphere has frequently brought out Penn State's best. In their two most recent White Outs, the Lions upset Ohio State, 24-21, in 2016 and thrashed Michigan, 42-13, last year. Penn State has won its past 16 home games, a streak dating back to the start of the 2016 season. However, Ohio State has won seven of its 13 visits to Beaver Stadium. // EDGEPenn State THIS 'N' THAT THE LOWDOWN While his recent tenure has been marred by controversy, Urban Meyer has compiled an amazing 77-8 record at Ohio State and is aiming for the second national championship in his seven-year tenure with the Buckeyes. He is one of only four active coaches in the FBS to have won a national title, joining Nick Saban, Dabo Swinney and Jimbo Fisher. James Franklin would like to join that group himself someday, having guided the Nit- tany Lions to top-10 finishes in each of his past two seasons. // EDGE Ohio State COACHING STAFF S E P T E M B E R   2 6 ,   2 0 1 8 B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M 5 yards and one TD reception, followed by fellow wideouts Terry McLaurin (nine catches, 218 yards, four TDs) and Austin Mack (15 catches, 205 yards, one TD). This is the deepest and most experienced receiver unit in the Big Ten. Penn State's pass defense ranks fiBh in the Big Ten. CB Amani Oruwariye leads the team with two interceptions and is Penn State's sixth-leading tackler with 16 stops. CB John Reid has struggled coming off of an ACL injury that caused him to miss the 2017 season, and nickel back Donovan Johnson may not be available aBer suffering an injury at Illinois. On a more positive note, the Lions are second in the Big Ten with 14 sacks, including three by DE Shareef Miller. // KEY MATCHUP Ohio State LT Thayer Munford will battle Miller up front, while Campbell will take on Reid. PSU will need Miller to produce an effective pass rush if it's going to have any hope of slowing Haskins. In the secondary, Reid will have face a big challenge from Campbell, who reportedly has 10.5-second 100-yard speed. // EDGE Ohio State

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