Big Loss for the Buckeyes: Kicker Pettrey to Miss PSU Game

When No. 16 Ohio State heads to Happy Valley this weekend for a crucial Big Ten showdown against No. 11 Penn State, the Buckeyes will be without one of their most valuable, if least heralded, scoring threats.

Placekicker Aaron Pettrey suffered a torn MCL in the Buckeyes' 45-0 win over New Mexico State (yawn) last weekend, and will likely miss the remainder of the season--including, of course, this week's key contest against the Nittany Lions. Pettrey suffered the injury while running down the field on kick coverage.

This is a potentially big loss for the Buckeyes and comes at just about the worst possible time. Besides, when these teams met in Columbus last season, it was a true defensive slugfest, with the Nittany Lions squeaking by, 13-6. This year's matchup figures to be just as low-scoring--the Buckeyes and Nits boast two of the best defenses in the country--and so the kicking game will be crucial.

Without Pettrey, the Buckeyes will likely turn to backup Devin Barclay, who converted just 1 of 3 field goals last week. Pettery had been 13 of 17 on the year, including 6 of 8 from beyond 40 yards.

Oh, in case you're wondering: Penn State kicker Collin Wagner is 10 for 14 on the year, and 34 for 34 on extra-point attempts.

Photo: Ohio State kicker Aaron Petrrey is out for the season with a torn MCL. (Jeff Gross/Getty Images)