First downs key for Buckeyes, Lions
November 6, 2009
Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg
Not surprisingly, Penn State and Ohio State are the Big Ten’s top two teams in preventing third-down conversions. The Lions lead the league and rank 10th nationally at 31.3 percent, while Ohio State ranks second in the league and 15th nationally at 32.3 percent.
Both teams obviously want to stay out of third-and-long situations Saturday at Beaver Stadium (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET), so getting good gains on first down will be critical. Running backs Evan Royster (Penn State) and Brandon Saine (Ohio State) both have done well on first down this year, and they’ll need to continue the trend in Happy Valley.
Thanks to ESPN’s Stats & Information group for these nuggets.
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Saine, meanwhile, is averaging an impressive 6.26 yards a carry on first downs during Big Ten play (244 yards on 39 attempts). But Penn State ranks sixth nationally in fewest rushing yards allowed on first down (3.09 average).
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