IF HISTORY REPEATS...

For Penn State, this weekends prime time showdown at Ohio State is far more than just another big game. A Big Ten Championship is at stake, an undefeated season at risk, and ultimately a shot at the National Championship could be within the Lions' grasp. Up to this point, Penn State has been a labeled a victim of not playing elite opponents. After this weekend, that will no longer be the case. Can Joe Pa's troops pull it off in the "Scarlet Fever?" Let's examine what history has to say about this.

Now, as we all know by now, Penn State does not hold a single win in Columbus since joining the Big Ten in 1993. In 7 consecutive meetings at "The Shoe", the Nittany Lions have been defeated by the Buckeyes every year. With the exception of the 2002 clash in which the Buckeyes squeaked out a 13-7 burner, the Lions have been blown out against the John Cooper/Jim Tressel-led squads. Ohio State has outscored the Lions 225 - 75 at Ohio Stadium since Penn State's arrival to the conference!! This year, however; something is different.

In every previous year when these two teams have met in Columbus, the higher ranked team has won. This has been Ohio State every year. Actually, since Penn State joined the Big Ten Conference, the higher ranked team has won every year in this matchup with the exception to 2005. (We all know the greatness of that game). Whether it be psychie, or the fact that that the higher ranked team is just better, Ohio State, being that higher ranked team, has been dominant at home. This year, the tables have turned. Penn State finds themselves the higher ranked of the two at #3, and Ohio State being #9/10.

Penn State vs Ohio State history


Indeed, Ohio State has owned Penn State in Columbus, but maybe they were just the better team all of those years. In 2008, all indications point towards Penn State being the superior. If the Lions come out and simply play their game, history should follow suit, and the higher ranked team will prevail once again.