CAN THEY BE STOPPED?

PENN STATE TAKES ITS SHOT AT UNBEATEN OHIO STATE IN ANTICIPATED CLASH

Keys for Penn State

Feed Freiermuth: For as much attention as Penn State receiver KJ Hamler has attracted this season, tight end Pat Freiermuth should garner just as much consideration, and his recent uptick in production warrants a close look from Ohio State. He had a quiet day last week against Indiana, but in the Lions’ previous two games, against Minnesota and Michigan State, he totaled 12 catches for 161 and three touchdowns.

Deal with OSU’s duo:

Opponents have struggled finding ways to disrupt Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins and dual-threat quarterback

Justin Fields. Despite having only 42 second-half carries this season, Dobbins ranks fifth in Football Bowl Subdivision with 1,289 yards rushing. Fields has been nearly impeccable, dominating defenses with his legs and his arm.

Keys for Ohio State

Turn Young loose: Chase Young’s two-game suspension for accepting a loan worked out seamlessly for the Buckeyes, who didn’t need him against Maryland and Rutgers. But they will be relieved to have him back in the lineup for the final stretch of the regular season.

Contain Hamler: If Hamler

is healthy enough to play, the Buckeyes will need to find a way to tame him. The Lions’ top playmaker was injured on a first-quarter kickoff against Indiana and did not return. Coach James Franklin seemed confident in Hamler being active against Ohio State, and he is listed as a starter on Penn State’s two-deep.

Prediction

Ohio State 34, Penn

State 21. Recent games in this rivalry have produced close thrillers, but this Ohio State team is better on defense than last year’s squad. Fields and Dobbins likely will be too much for Penn State to handle.

[ANDREW MILLS/NJ ADVANCE MEDIA VIA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS] Ohio State wide receiver Jaelen Gill (26) celebrates his touchdown reception against Rutgers.