Join us on Friday for a special live edition of the Bucknuts Radio Hour. Dave Biddle and Steve Helwagen will host a show from 10 a.m. to noon previewing the Ohio State-Penn State game.

Special guests will include former Buckeye Art Schlichter (who played against Penn State twice in his career), ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg, NittanyNetwork.com's Jeff Rice and much more. Click here to access the show between 10 a.m. and noon Friday.

On Saturday, Dave Biddle and Bret Hoovler will host Bucknuts Postgame Live beginning at approximately 6:45 p.m. They will recap the game and interview our staff members. We welcome your calls and e-mails on the PSU game.

Monday, Bill Conley will host a Chat at 1 p.m.

On Thursday, we welcomed in Jeff Rice of the Centre Daily Times and NittanyNetwork.com for a Chat session. He answered questions on Penn State for 30 minutes. Steve Helwagen then took over the second half of the Chat with questions on OSU and the game. Here is the archive of that Chat:

chatter1 (Nov 5, 2009 1:01:37 PM)
what is Jeff's prediction for the game?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:02:23 PM)
I think it will be a pretty low scoring game. The defenses will handle the offenses early on. Maybe each side will make a big play. My guess is 14 to 17 points for either team will be enough ...

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:02:44 PM)
I will stay with what I said on your radio show, 14-10 Penn State.

yoyoma (Nov 5, 2009 1:03:31 PM)
Hi Jeff, Are there any injuries on PSU?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:04:37 PM)
I think Stephon Green missed the last 2 games with an ankle and he would be doubtful. I'd be surprised if he plays. Safety Drew Astorino has had a sore shoulder all season but I would be surprised if he doesn't play. They have been pretty lucky. They've got most of their key guys back.

velvetant (Nov 5, 2009 1:04:44 PM)
Will the OSU offense be able to score on PSU. Perhaps their D is a little over-rated, based on schedule?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:05:31 PM)
I think the stats are inflated because of the teams Penn State has played. Ohio State is capable of scoring a few points on them. I think the key will be how well the OL plays and if they can handle Odrick and Jack Crawford ...

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:06:24 PM)
It will come down to whether Terrelle Pryor can complete some third down passes and how well OSU does in the red zone. PSU has been good in the red zone. It will be decided up front with the OL against Penn State's front 7.

yoyoma (Nov 5, 2009 1:06:32 PM)
Hi Jeff, Who would predict as the next PSU coach and when?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:07:47 PM)
The when is pretty tricky. The who, all signs point to defensive coordinator Tom Bradley. The great thing about Bradley is if the university gave him 2-3 years and he had success they could extend him. Bradley being there for a few years would be a good transition to whoever comes in next ...

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:08:25 PM)
Nobody outside the program will want to follow Paterno. They may want someone else to step in for a few years because of Joe's shadow. Plus, Bradley could prove himself as a head coach.

yoyoma (Nov 5, 2009 1:06:32 PM)
What is the weather forecast for Sat.?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:09:00 PM)
The forecast is low 50s and sunny. Bear in mind Penn State has had lousy weather for every game. Forecast says nice day but it's been wrong before (LOL).

Buckeye Oz (Nov 5, 2009 1:09:18 PM)
Any word or comments from the team on the PSU marketting shirt that was recalled?

yoyoma (Nov 5, 2009 1:06:32 PM)
Hi Jeff, Who would predict as the next PSU coach and when?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:10:13 PM)
That was a student group and they wound up pulling the shirts. The students have been kind of obsessed with Pryor even before he went to OSU. He played the state championship here his senior year in bkb and a lot of students came to watch and "recruit him." ...

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:10:48 PM)
Nobody in the PSU program said anything about it. Not sure if they were asked. Not sure about athletics, either. My guess is those students were told – off the record of course – that those shirts weren’t a good idea.

velvetant (Nov 5, 2009 1:11:00 PM)
Last time we played at Happy Valley the fans seemed extra jacked. Anything special planned? Another whiteout?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:12:11 PM)
I think they did decide earlier this week to make it a full stadium white-out. There is a pep rally Friday night after the bkb scrimmage. That will be at the Bryce Jordan Center. Admission is free for the pep rally.

ohs (Nov 5, 2009 1:12:21 PM)
Thanks for doing this. Any thoughts about Brandon Beachum and Zordich? Some of the Ohio recruits we looked at?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:13:03 PM)
Beachum has been a pretty good player so far. The team and fans are excited about what he can do. Not too many carries behind Evan Royster. He has looked good in short yardage ...

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:13:54 PM)
Zordich had a DUI in Sept., so that kind of slowed his progress. He has played some on special teams. Zordich is also the backup FB. He has been playing LB. I think his future is at LB. All 3 starters leave after this season, so he should have a spot there.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:14:48 PM)
Jeff, let me ask about Daryll Clark. Can you talk about how he has improved in his second year as a starter.

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:15:51 PM)
I think his deep passing has improved a bit. The last few years he has been pretty accurate but now he has more touch on the deep ball. He makes good reads and checks to the 2nd and 3rd receiver. Last year he went to the first read. He has been calmer last few games. He was maybe too amped up against Iowa. He's been in rhythm last few weeks.

labs (Nov 5, 2009 1:17:12 PM)
You mentioned that Bowman may be leaving. He does have another year left, right?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:16:55 PM)
He has another year of eligibility, but the consensus is he will go pro. He is on schedule to graduate in December. Most believe he will leave at that time.

labs (Nov 5, 2009 1:17:12 PM)
As an OSU fan, I couldn't understand the animosity between Pitt and PSU when I moved to Pa. After living here a while, I get it. PSU fans are the most obnoxios I have encountered, much worse than Mich but I admire their blind faith through good and bad years. OSU fans could not have tolerated the losing which JOPA went through a few years ago

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:18:39 PM)
There was a good section of the fan base that was tolerant. But there was a section that wanted him gone. They were vocal about it toward the end of 2004. They got Derrick Williams and Justin King to commit and they turned it around. But things got ugly in '04. Next year they won the Big Ten, though.

Ottobuck (Nov 5, 2009 1:18:53 PM)
Is the OSU DL your biggest concern?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:20:41 PM)
I think that's the key to the whole game in how they handle that line. The only game they lost they didn't handle Iowa's pressure and could not run the ball. Michigan's Brandon Graham is the only other guy like that they have seen. They haven't seen a DL like this since last year against OSU. USC's was comparable.

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:21:34 PM)
I think Pryor just because you can sack him for a play or hold him for a quarter and then he runs for a 60-yard TD or throws for a 50-yard score. As inconsistent as he's been, he is capable of a big play.

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:21:56 PM)
I think Cam Heyward is also a concern. They had trouble with him last year even as good as PSU's OL was last year.

velvetant (Nov 5, 2009 1:22:05 PM)
I've heard the O-line has improved, but I still question their schedule. How many sacks do they give up on Saturday?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:22:16 PM)
That is a good one ...

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:22:58 PM)
If they can find ways to roll Clark out they can avoid a few. My guess is you'll see at least 2 to 3. That's a very good line. Clark will hold on to the ball because he thinks he can stand in and make throws.

ohs (Nov 5, 2009 1:23:04 PM)
What scares you most about OSU?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:23:48 PM)
The special teams. There always seems to be a big special teams. OSU always gets 1-2 against Penn State. PSU's punt and kick coverage has been spotty and they've also had 2 punts blocked.

ohs (Nov 5, 2009 1:24:01 PM)
What do you think of the great 2010 recruiting class at PSU? Who excites u the most? And what do you think of Newsome at QB?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:25:37 PM)
It's hard to tell until they get in. On paper, it's a good class. They are finally able to get some big in-state OL. Last few years, they've had to patch the OL together with DL and JUCO kids. They have 3 western PA OL prospects. Adrian Cox is a strong receiving recruit. Mike Hull, people are excited about him. It's a big class. Not used to having 18-19 verbals by now. If the QBs come through they should be set there for a while ...

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:27:21 PM)
Regarding Newsome, it's tough to tell. He has not played much at all. Fans are upset about that. They have had chances to play him and they haven't. He could be a Michael Robinson-type runner. As a thrower, he has a long way to go. He has a strong arm. His release point is all over the place. Footwork has been OK. He has good charisma and everybody gravitates to him. He has leadership capabilities that people like. He needs to hold on to the ball. He's had 2-3 fumbles. Until we see him outside the fourth quarter of a 2-3 TD game, hard to make any definitive evals.

OB (Nov 5, 2009 1:27:40 PM)
is there one player you will look to as a barometer for how the game will go on PSU's end?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:28:30 PM)
I would have to say Clark because of the OSU DL. If he is able to throw some balls away and get it out to his hot receivers, Penn State will be fine. He doesn't have to throw for 300 yards. If they're able to rattle him like Iowa did, it could be an interesting evening.

Ottobuck (Nov 5, 2009 1:28:40 PM)
Who has the edge, your WRs against our DBs? vice versa?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:29:55 PM)
That's a tough one. I'd have to say Penn State's WRs. If you take away one guy, they find a way to beat you with another. That includes Andrew Quarless at tight end.They get off press coverage. Last year, OSU did well against PSU's smaller receivers. PSU's receivers are bigger and stronger. I would give them a slim edge.

ohs (Nov 5, 2009 1:30:16 PM)
Whats your take on Rich Rod at Michigan? Good hire for them or not? Do you see him lasting and succeeding at Michigan?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:31:33 PM)
I think he'll be there a couple more years. A kid like Forcier will only get better. They have good athletes around him. They need to play better defense. They are just so mistake prone because they are young. They are pressing because of the pressure from and on RR. It will take a while to get back to where Carr had it. They should be able to get back to at least where Wisconsin is with 4-5 wins in the conference this year.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:32:16 PM)
Last question for Jeff before we turn him loose ...

Buckrock (Nov 5, 2009 1:32:20 PM)
Going into the season JoePa's biggest concern was their DB's. This would be a great game for OSU to exploit this weakness.

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:35:05 PM)
I think they have come together pretty well. Tough to tell because teams they have played have not been able to exploit them. They are solid at corner with Wallace and Lynn. Sukay is OK at safety. Astorino has been banged up. They've been good enough so far. I wouldn't be surprised if Pryor can hit 1-2 deep balls but I doubt if he picks them apart.

ohs (Nov 5, 2009 1:35:17 PM)
How many more yrs for JoePa?

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:36:26 PM)
I'd say 2 more after this one. It should also be known I said that in 2005 and possibly again in 2006. Because they have won some games you don't hear that topic come up that much any more.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:36:41 PM)
Guys, we are going to turn Jeff loose. Thanks, Jeff, for coming by.

Jeff Rice (Nov 5, 2009 1:36:51 PM)
Thank you guys for having me today. Enjoy the game!!

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:36:54 PM)
All right ...

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:37:10 PM)
I got about 20 minutes here. Hit me with your best shot on Ohio State and this game ...

checker (Nov 5, 2009 1:38:46 PM)
Steve: In your judgement, what is the state of mind and state of preparation of TP ?

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:39:59 PM)
He is saying all of the right things. He said the coaches have a great game plan and everybody on offense is excited about this game plan. He is going into the game, it seems, with a great attitude. ...

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:40:52 PM)
By all reports he came out after the Purdue game and apologized not only for how he played but also for the way he has carried himself around his teammates. You kind of sensed before there was a division last year with the older guys and this year a caste system with Pryor and his crew and the rest of the team.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:42:06 PM)
It looks like he is putting all that stuff aside and concentrating on being a better leader. The hope is that translates to success on the field.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:42:33 PM)
We shall see. This could be his big moment (like Germaine in the Rose Bowl and Krenzel at Purdue, etc.).

Buckrock (Nov 5, 2009 1:42:48 PM)
Steve, just joining and not sure if this has been asked. Will PSU put eight or nine in the box and dare us to throw? We rank 94th in the country in passing. We should spread the field short slants and passes and run TP 15 to 20 times if we are to beat PSU.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:43:40 PM)
That's kind of what they did last year. I look for Pryor to damage with Posey and Sanz underneath. Take what they give you and move the chains. If they get ancy and try to go deep, that isn't going to work that well.

Buckrock (Nov 5, 2009 1:44:33 PM)
Tom Bradley is one of the best Defensive Coordinators in football. He is also one of their top recruiters. His loyalty to JoePa and the Univeristy is unquestioned. That said, when JoePa retires, does Bradley get the Head Job or will there be pressure to bring in a top name coach (Schiano, Kelley, fill in the blank). PSU has always marched to the beat of their own drum.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:45:58 PM)
Jeff Rice gave his opinion on this situation earlier. He thinks Paterno hangs on for at least 2 more years after this one. He also expects when that time comes that PSU will go with Tom Bradley. They may be dissuaded, strange as it sounds, from getting a top name coach like Schiano or Kelly from UC because few may want to be the guy who follows the legend ...

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:47:00 PM)
Earle Bruce could handle it because he was a Woody guy and he maintained the traditions. But it's like RR coming in at Michigan. You see all of the upheaval over a guy who has his way of doing business and he's told over and over "We've never done that that way here." It's a lot to overcome following a legend ...

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:47:28 PM)
UNC did great when Dean Smith stepped down and they had Guthridge as the bridge to the next era or chapter. My guess is Bradley plays that role.

labs (Nov 5, 2009 1:47:36 PM)
I think the teams are about even, but unless TP has a surprisingly good game, you have to go with senior QB and home-field PSU 20 Osu 7

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:48:26 PM)
That's my thought. Ohio State's best win was, what, over Wisconsin? And the offense was abysmal with a capital A that day with like 6 three-and-outs in 9 possessions. You don't know who the TB will be. And on and on.

velvetant (Nov 5, 2009 1:48:33 PM)
How much pressure on the coaching staff if we lose? Any changes?

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:50:10 PM)
Well, I think it depends on the circumstances. If it's a blowout, then yes there will be people clamoring for changes. If the offense flat-lines (again), then there will be people clamoring for changes. But if they give it all they have and come up short because of the bounce of a ball or something else, I think people need to remember this is still a young team.

VBSJ (Nov 5, 2009 1:50:39 PM)
Do you believe that Ohio State had the right to say "No" to Nike in regards to the throwback uniforms? Does money trump everything?

VBSJ (Nov 5, 2009 1:50:45 PM)
Shouldn't Ohio State, Gene Smith and Jim Tressel worry more about the product on the field rather than uniforms? I mean, have you seen the offense?

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:52:23 PM)
Good points. I have not seen the Nike contract to know if there was a call that they had to do an alternative jersey to boost sales at some point. I don't know. My guess is it could be in that deal. Tressel said the decision was made internally months ago to do this.

yoyoma (Nov 5, 2009 1:53:15 PM)
How big is Pettrey being out?

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:53:58 PM)
It doesn't get any bigger than that. Seriously. They almost live by the mantra of don't screw up my 3. Now you don't know if you have anybody who can make that 3. In what could be a 17-14 kind of game, that is HUGE.

Buckrock (Nov 5, 2009 1:54:09 PM)
Our kicking game has to be of some concern. Good thing JT stock piles Kickers. Before this season i thought Devin Barclay was a Wall Street Investment Bank. How do you think he will do? Buchanon was highly recruited and ranked. It would be nice to see him step up.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:55:02 PM)
Buchanan has been sick. I don't think you see him. It will be Barclay going the distance on Sat. He will do his best. Hard to predict if the ball will go through the uprights with 109,000 people screaming at the top of their lungs. Hopefully he can get an early PAT or FG to get the jitters out.

velvetant (Nov 5, 2009 1:55:06 PM)
Saine or Hall?

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:55:40 PM)
Sounds like Saine will start but Boom and Hall will also play and JT said they could end up going with whoever has the hot hand. I guess we'll know what this hot hand thing is when and if we see it (LOL).

OB (Nov 5, 2009 1:57:06 PM)
What, if any, is the potential "X" factor for this game?

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:57:23 PM)
Special teams. PSU hasn't been good there, but OSU is hurting without Pettrey.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:57:26 PM)
Speed round now

velvetant (Nov 5, 2009 1:59:15 PM)
I think our D wins against their O. I think the emotions will be high for TP and Hall and that they will respond well and lead us to a win. Emotions and frustration can drive these young guys to do great things. Going back to play in PA is big for them. They will do well.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 1:59:38 PM)
I feel you. They need to step up this weekend.

OB (Nov 5, 2009 2:00:31 PM)
Back to TP...what do you think it will take for him to "lead" this team...saying he needs to be a leader, having a big game, and/or having full grasp of the offense (enough to go through his progressions)?

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 2:00:55 PM)
Needs to do it in a big game against a great opponent. With Rose Bowl on line against a national top-10 defense, this qualifies.

VBSJ (Nov 5, 2009 2:00:59 PM)
Is Ben Buchanan being groomed as a punter and for this reason he can't beat out Barclay (Basil is coming in 2010 too)?

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 2:01:14 PM)
No, Ben has been doing both when healthy. He missed last week due to illness.

OB (Nov 5, 2009 2:01:20 PM)
Do you see them utilizing Martin more in the run game to churn out some yards?

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 2:01:38 PM)
Maybe, but see above: They seem set on Boom and Saine first and then the freshmen.

OB (Nov 5, 2009 2:01:43 PM)
Better arm...Posey or Pryor?

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 2:01:48 PM)
Ha ha, loaded question

OB (Nov 5, 2009 2:01:53 PM)
Is it a matter of protection as to why we don't utilize the TE more in the passing game...seems like Stoneburner, a former WR, would be perfect to send up the seam for some big yardage similar to what Iowa does with Moeaki?

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 2:02:21 PM)
Seems like it. They have not involved the TE yet. Maybe they have been saving that for this month.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 2:02:28 PM)
Hey guys, I am gonna roll.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 2:02:56 PM)
We have live Bucknuts Radio Hour with Adam Rittenberg, Art Schlichter, Jeff Rice and more from 12-noon Friday.

Steve Helwagen (Nov 5, 2009 2:03:01 PM)
Check in then.

velvetant (Nov 5, 2009 2:03:04 PM)
Thanks Steve. Have a good weekend