2012 Big 33 Game: Pennsylvania vs. Ohio - 9 Things to Watch For

http://blog.pennlive.com/joecleezy/2012/06/2012_big_33_game_pennsylvania.html FROM PENNLIVE 1. Quarterbacks. If you’re a quarterback in this game, you have to be salivating at the chance to exploit the one-on-one matchups that this game provides. There’s no zone coverage at all during the game so accuracy will play a huge role as wide receivers will be locked up in one-on-one coverage. 2. Offensive Line. Regardless of the offense talent assembled on either team, nobody will be going anywhere unless the offensive lines control the line of scrimmage. With both teams having limited time to come together and gel, the running game usually suffers. Both teams will try to establish the running game but most likely, the big plays will come through the air. 3. Defensive Line. They usually have the advantage over the offensive line as far as preparation for the game goes. It'll be important for the defensive lines of both teams to get pressure on the quarterback or you may see a lot of long passes being completed. 4. Secondary Play. There’s nowhere for any of these defensive backs to hide. It’s all man-to-man coverage during the whole game. PA will look to have better coverage in the secondary this year as they were burned for big plays in the 2011 game. 5. Running Backs. As stated earlier, normally the running game suffers during all-star games such as this one. However, with some solid offensive line play, there's opportunity for them to break off long runs once they get past the first wave of defenders. 6. Linebackers. Typically, it’s a given that the linebackers can tackle. Where they may get challenged is in the passing game. Watch for mismatches that may occur between linebackers and running backs. 7. Wide Receivers. Each wide receiver will be posed with the same question: “Can you make a big play?”. This game is geared towards the offense and particularly wide receivers. Man-to-Man across the board. 8. Special Teams Play. A field goal here or there can make a difference just in case this game doesn’t turn into a shoot-out. Kick-off and Punt-Return coverage can also make a difference in a game like this. 9. Intangibles. These are all top-notch football players so it’ll come down to who can execute their offensive gameplan the best. Pennsylvania would like to rebound from a less than stellar performance in last year’s game.