Inside the Shoe: Just his progression has been good. With a QB like Terrelle (who basically coached him self in High School) you need to relearn some things to be a dominant college quarterback. He’s taken the time to go to films and work on his footwork (which still isn’t too fantastic). Also, in games where he struggles, over the next couple of games he’s proven that he can overcome that. So far he’s looked fantastic–and even in the Wisconsin game he wasn’t terrible.

NWO: Ohio State has really dominated both sides of the ball in every game except those against Illinois and Wisconsin. What did those teams do to trip up the Buckeyes?

ITS: Wisconsin played primary a 4-3 over (or a 4-3 stack against the I formation), with 2 deep safeties. This allowed Wisconsin to play different coverages than previous defenses OSU has faced this year. Wisconsin took advantage, playing cover 4 coverage (see below), but also quarter-quarter-half, and cover 2, among others. This is helpful against OSU because it keeps two deep safeties, especially with the amount of twins OSU likes to use, but simultaneously allows those safeties to be involved in run support.

Illinois, meanwhile, didn’t really stop the Buckeye offense, OSU never had a chance to get a rhythm going because their first three drives were a three and out, a four play TD drive, and a three and out after two QB sneaks from the one-yard line. And just when the offensive wheels started turning, Pryor got hurt, and his legs were gone for the rest of the game, allowing the defense to know pretty much when he’s going to pass, because he couldn’t scramble.

NWO: Other than the big names we’ve all heard of, what unsung players should Penn State fans be looking out for on Saturday?

ITS: Watch the return game for OSU, Jordan Hall and Jaamal Berry are one of the best tag team returners in college football. Although they haven’t returned one for a touchdown yet this year, they’ve gotten very, very close. Punt return wise, Hall just has a blast weaving through traffic and breaking impossible tackles.

NWO: Ohio State is coming off of a bye week. How will that help the Buckeyes?

ITS: The biggest help of this bye week has been for injuries, with players like Dorian Bell, Donnie Evege, Jake Stoneburner and Ross Homan getting healthier along the way. Chimdi Chekwa also had a week to get his hamstring better as well. The Buckeyes also get to get some offensive and defensive game plans going for the next three games, which will play a huge role in whether or not they make the Rose Bowl again this year.

NWO: College Gameday is coming to the Penn State/Ohio State game for the 5th time in 6 years. How does the Buckeye fanbase feel about this nascent rivalry, and about Penn State? Is it even comparable to the Michigan game?

First, you need to tell your Penn State blog brethren (looking at you BSD) that MOST Buckeye fans deep down truly feel that Penn State has been one of our better rivals as of late. Obviously with the downfall of “The Game” occurring, it has helped the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes only strengthen their rivalry. All time, I would say it’s not comparable. It’s nothing against you guys, but OSU-Michigan has an HBO show, and gets put in the Top 5 rivalries of all time. Now, can Penn State ever get to that level? I don’t see why not. Buckeye fans on the internet are just stoking the fire, at least that’s what it looks like to me. Obviously Gameday realizes the rivalry, and hell, even the NCAA video games recognize it! Us folks at ITS (Can’t speak for SBB, he just doesn’t like Penn State. At all.) will always be in support of people that say this is a rivalry.

NWO: How do you think the game will play out? Can I get a prediction?

ITS: I expect a good challenge from Joe Paterno and his QB. Whoever starts will have a field day with the vertical passing game, and even if Tressel tries to correct it, Evan Royster will be man enough to step in. Although the vertical passing game will help Penn State, Ohio State is just too powerful to stop on a couple of drives, leading the Buckeyes to a 31-17 victory.

To read my answers to Ian’s questions: like when I think Joe Paterno will retire, my thoughts on the budding rivalry, and what I think about Jim Tressel, visit InsideTheShoe.com