UNIVERSITY PARK— Penn State football’s biggest game of the season— and possibly the James Franklin era— is less than 72 hours away.
No. 7 Penn State is taking on No. 3 Ohio State in Columbus, a place it hasn’t won since November 2011, when interim coach Tom Bradley was running the show.
Getting the starting left guard back would be a boost for Penn State, and based on Wednesday’s practice, there’s a good chance that’s happening.
JB Nelson was a full practice participant Wednesday, as seen by Nittany Sports Now and other outlets during the media’s weekly viewing window. Nelson was carted off the field during Penn State’s game at Northwestern Sept. 30 and didn’t play in Penn State’s next game Oct. 14 against UMass. Getting Nelson back would be a big boost.
Penn State’s depth at guard was already tested before the season began.
Projected starter Landon Tengwall announced his medical retirement from football days before PSUs season opener against West Virginia Sept. 3.
Nelson got the start against WVU and was Penn State’s regular starter through the first five weeks.
In Nelson’s absence, Vega Ioane started at left guard. Coach James Franklin told reporters after last Wednesday’s practice that the team had also been trying Caedan Wallace— who starts at right tackle— at guard in practice.
The 6-foot-5, 334-pounder is an in-state product who played at Mt. Lebanon High School in the Pittsburgh Area. Nelson’s coach for his senior year was Bob Palko, who is now Penn State’s Director of High School relations.
Penn State-Ohio State is scheduled to kick off at Noon on Fox Saturday. Gus Johnson (PXP) and Joel Klatt (color) will be on the call.
Here are some sights and sounds from this week’s practice, captured by NSN’s Ethan Ronan.
