Penn State is already down a starter ahead of Ohio State showdown
Penn State faces off against Ohio State in a big, Big Ten showdown next week but they’ll be without a starting linebacker due to a targeting penalty vs. Indiana.
A troubling start to the 2020 season is only going to get more nervy for Penn State. The Nittany Lions will have to play the first half of their Week 2 matchup against Ohio State without starting linebacker Jesse Luketa.
Luketa was ejected from the Indiana game for targeting in the fourth quarter. He will have to sit out the first half against Ohio State as a result.
In truth, Luketa is a replacement himself. He stepped into the starting lineup because Micah Parson’s declared for the NFL Draft.
That means it’s likely to be redshirt freshman Lance Dixon thrown into the fire.
On the bright side, the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder is a former four-star prospect who ranked No. 9 among outside linebackers in the class of 2019, according to 247Sports.
The big concern is experience, which he sorely lacks. He took a redshirt last year while appearing in three games.
Penn State must keep Ohio State in check in the first half without a key starter
Penn State’s defense gave up 17 points in the second quarter to Indiana in their opening game, so they know how important the early portion of a game can be.
Any absences on defense could create big problems going against an offense as high powered as Ohio State’s.
Against Nebraska, quarterback Justin Field left no doubt as to whether he’ll be involved in the Heisman race this season. He had two touchdowns and 276 yards on 20-of-21 passing in the opener. He also added 54 yards and a touchdown on the ground. It’ll take everything the Nitanny Lions have on defense to slow him down.
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