If you thought the week five match up between Northwestern and Ohio State had a recipe for an upset then step in the kitchen and smell what's brewing for this week's special.  The Wildcats did some great things and put up a hell of a fight, but Bill O'Brien and the Nittnay Lions have a trick or two up their own sleeve and have been improving steadily every week with freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg. 

The undefeated team you know as the Buckeyes, a perfect 7-0 on the year, with a 19 game winning streak dating back to last year may have some kinks in their shinning armor.  Last week against Iowa they struggled mightily in the first half letting the Hawkyeyes own the time of possession, first down completion ratio, and of course the score.  At half time Urban Meyer gave his usual speech full of screaming and yelling and wouldn't you know Ohio State went on to take care of business the rest of the game led by running back Carlos Hyde.  No disrespect to Iowa, but what happens when the fourth ranked team in the country has to play another top ranked opponent come playoff time.  It's not just Iowa they have failed to wow the poll voters.  After whooping up on their first four opponents who were considered "warm up" games, they have struggled in some aspect in all three of their conference games winning by a total of just seven points, 10 points (scored on a last minute touchdown), and 10 points.  Although still undefeated, with no blow out wins against "lesser" opponents the voters have been reluctant to give the Buckeyes the edge ahead of teams like Oregon, Florida State, and Alabama. 

But forget about the polls; after another poor start to last week's game, Ohio State needs to focus on a fast rising Nittnay Lions team who is not only coming off a weeks rest, but beat 18th ranked Michigan in a thrilling four overtime game the week prior.  That's right. Penn State has already beaten one undefeated team which makes you think they have the confidence to do it again with their energy higher than ever.  Their blueprint for success?  Well O' Brien starts with a simple foundation of a physical running attack and a solid defense like most teams in the Big Ten.  However, true freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg has been the surprise glue between the cracks that has held this team together and gotten them to the point they are now at an overachieving 4-2.  Hackenberg was the highest rated quarterback recruit coming out of high school last year and chose the Nittnay Lions over teams like the Gators and Crimson Tide which O' Brien took to heart. 

Remember Penn State lost numerous scholarships before Hackenberg committed due to NCAA Violations and was having trouble locking up players with a black cloud over the program.  When Hackenberg committed with Penn State a special relationship was started between player and coach and has been a special thing to watch as the season has unfolded with their unexpected success.  Hackenberg has already broken freshman records at Penn State and has thrown for 1,672 yards along with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions on the year. 

With Iowa running all over the Buckeyes early and often last week, there is no doubt Penn State's running backs Bill Belton and Zach Zwinak will get a heavy dose of the ball as the two have been highly effective on the ground as of late.  If Ohio State has a repeat meltdown of last week's rushing defense they could be in trouble as Hackenberg has been lethal in the play-action passing game, much more so than Iowa's quarterback Jake Ruddock to say the least, hooking up with arguably the best wide out in the conference in Allen Robinson.  Robinson has been Hackenberg's favorite weapon so far this season and for good reason.  The 6-3 receiver has the ability to go up and catch the ball at its highest points as he showed against Michigan during the final seconds catching a hail mary to push the game into one of the many overtimes.  Robinson has 43 receptions for 705 yards and five touchdowns already this season and is only growing a stronger rapport with his quarterback as time goes on. 

Let's not fool ourselves though.  Ohio State has won an astounding 19 games in a row for good reason.  They have excellent play makers on both sides of the ball, a bruising running back, and one of the most dynamic dual threat quarterbacks in the league in Braxton Miller.  But remember, Miller missed multiple games earlier in the season with a knee sprain that he says still isn't fully healed.  A key component to his style of play is his ability to move around and scramble at will.  Is this lingering knee injury still bothering him enough to affect his play? Things to ponder before assuming the Buckeyes will blow out the Nittnay Lions.

Finally, Penn State must travel to the "Shoe" and play in front of a hostile crowd which will be a daunting task.  In fact, Ohio State has won three of the last five games between these two holding an all time record of 15-13 (closer than you would think).  Penn State was able to sneak away with two wins, the most recent in 2011 under the late Joe Paterno took place in (you guessed it) Ohio State.

So lets get this straight.  Ohio State has struggled against all of their conference opponents this year.  Their most important player on their team is still hobbled by a knee injury which is effecting his play.  Penn State just knocked off a ranked undefeated team two weeks ago and followed that up with a weeks rest, and the last two times the Nittnay Lions came away with victories against the Buckeyes it took place in the Shoe.  Plenty of information to chew on before this Saturday's match up of Big Ten rivals that will take place at 8 PM eastern on ABC.