Posted on November 6th, 2009 by Clinton Reed Jr.

By: Clinton Reed Jr.  | Buckeyes Gameday Correspondent

Long before The Ohio State Buckeyes had taken the field of play, before any part of the story that is the 2009 season had yet to be written, everyone who looked at what was to come was in agreement of one thing.. the last three games of the season will tell the tale. No matter what had happened prior (no pun intended) to that, had they beat USC, been able to stave off Purdue, or even lost to someone else along the way.. these games that are now upon us would be the most important no matter which path it took to reach them.

Not to say that at the begining of the year that anyone would have thought that Iowa would be in the position that they are in, not even Nostradamus was that good. The last three games of the season take place in Happy Valley, the last game in the Horseshoe this season against Iowa, then a trip up north . Every game is now, not only a tremendous challenge, but will be the majority share of how this season will be remembered.

It has been a season in which we have seen what the definition of growing pains truely means. Terrelle Pryor, at times, a glimpse into the future as to what a truely gifted athelete he is. Yet if he does not want a severe case of RBS (reggie bush syndrome) when he gets to the professional level where everyone has outstanding atheletic ability then he needs to be able to know how to win games one piece at a time. The defense has played far beyond what they were originally thought capable of becoming. Making huge plays all over the field, interceptions, fumbles, goaline stands. They have been put in compromising positions time and time again and have out played other teams offenses. Purdue not withstading of course..

First on the agenda: Penn St.

With Joe Paterno coaching in his 43rd season the Nittany Lions come into Saturday’s matchup with a season not to much unlike its couterpart, The Ohio State. Both teams were projected to finish first and second in the Big Ten, and both teams now are looking up at Iowa.

Truth be told Ohio State and Penn St. has always been a competitive matchup, and with the events that had transpired in last years game Ohio State needs to prove that they are the superior force in the Big Ten. This will not be an easy task by any means. Penn St’s offense was the reason that they were projected to be any kind of competitor for a Big Ten title, but live by the sword and so on.. and so went they’re chances. When they play well on offense they are dangerous, yet if they come out slow they have a hard time getting the offense moving.

The end result of this matchup can be found in its title.. We ARE Penn St is the chant that the Nittany Lion faithful chant with pride, and the truth is.. that’s the best news possible for Ohio State. Just remember: They ARE Penn St. and it is exactly why the number one recruit in the nation from Pennsylvania would choose to go elsewhere. It’s because we ARE not…