STATE COLLEGE, — Undefeated Ohio State wants to feel some love. After all, they're the No. 1 team in the country.

Yet there's a sentiment among some Buckeyes that they aren't getting much respect, something that could change with a win Saturday night at No. 24 Penn State.

"It's become more motivating to us because a lot of people think we don't deserve the spot," cornerback Malcolm Jenkins said. "That's just another thing we can put on our bulletin board and get fired up for. It's been quite a motivation for us."

There's reason to worry in this topsy-turvy college football season.

The Buckeyes (8-0, 4-0 Big Ten) were ranked 11th in the preseason poll, but the teams ahead of them have fallen. Losses two weeks ago by LSU and California cleared room atop the polls and Bowl Championship Series standings for the Buckeyes.

A suffocating defense that has allowed just four touchdowns is a big reason why Ohio State could tie the Big Ten record of 19 straight conference victories, set by Michigan from 1990-92.

The Nittany Lions (6-2, 3-2) can be dangerous, too, especially at home coming off a three-game winning streak in which they have averaged 33.6 points.

The offense is clicking behind an improving offensive line that has been opening up running lanes for tailbacks Rodney Kinlaw and Evan Royster. Pocket quarterback Anthony Morelli is getting time to connect with his deep, talented receiving corps.

They'll face their stiffest challenge yet with an Ohio State defense that has held opponents to a measly 7.8 points a game — tops in the country.

"You got to be every fundamentally sound on the offensive side to be able to compete with them," Penn State center A.Q. Shipley said.