Ohio State Overcomes Penn State in Defensive Showcase
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Will Howard threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns while No. 4 Ohio State’s defense made a late defensive stand to secure a 20-13 victory over No. 3 Penn State on Saturday.
Ohio State (7-1, 4-1) kept its hopes alive for a spot in the Big Ten Championship game by defeating the Nittany Lions (7-1, 4-1) for the eighth consecutive time. Howard, who felt slighted when Penn State declined to offer him a scholarship, found a measure of revenge in front of the largest crowd in Beaver Stadium history (111,030).
Although Howard had his struggles, including a pick-six on his first pass and a fumble at the goal line, he connected on scoring passes to Emeka Egbuka and Brandon Inniss in the first half, while Ohio State’s defense held strong throughout the game.
The Buckeyes’ defense thwarted Penn State’s offense, denying them a touchdown multiple times, including an impressive play by defensive back Davison Igbinosun, who out-muscled Penn State wide receiver Harrison Wallace III for an interception in the end zone that halted a Nittany Lions drive late in the first half.
Penn State faced a first-and-goal from the Ohio State 3-yard line midway through the fourth quarter, but their running plays faltered. Quarterback Drew Allar’s pass attempt on fourth-and-goal from the 1 fell incomplete with 5:13 remaining, sealing their fate.
Ohio State managed to run down the clock, extending their drive to midfield. Howard capped the game with a run that achieved the Buckeyes’ 21st first down, signaling to the sideline in celebration as they strengthened their College Football Playoff résumé following a close loss to No. 1 Oregon three weeks ago.
Allar, playing through an injury, threw for 146 yards and added 31 rushing yards, but the Nittany Lions struggled to maintain momentum under new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. Tight end Tyler Warren posted a total of 94 yards (47 rushing and 47 receiving), but he received minimal assistance from his teammates.
Key Takeaways
Ohio State: This iteration of the Buckeyes may not boast the explosive offense of previous seasons, but their consistent success against Penn State suggests that their physical play could be advantageous as the postseason approaches.
Penn State: Head coach James Franklin’s record against Ohio State stands at 1-10, and this latest defeat mirrored many of the previous losses. The Nittany Lions failed to generate explosive plays and were often overmatched physically at home.
Poll Implications
Ohio State is anticipated to rise to at least No. 3 in the upcoming polls, while Penn State is likely to linger on the verge of a top 10 ranking.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Sarah Thompson, a sports analyst and former college football player, to discuss the recent clash between Ohio State and Penn State. Dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Thompson: It’s my pleasure! What a thrilling game it was.
Editor: Absolutely! Ohio State managed to edge out Penn State with a score of 20-13. What were your initial thoughts on the matchup?
Dr. Thompson: I thought it was a classic defensive battle. Both teams brought their A-game on that side of the ball, but Ohio State’s defense really stood out. They had some key moments, especially when they prevented Penn State from scoring multiple times.
Editor: Yes, indeed! The Buckeyes’ defense was pivotal in stopping Penn State at critical moments. Can you tell us a bit more about Davison Igbinosun’s performance and that crucial interception he had?
Dr. Thompson: Igbinosun’s interception was a game-changer. Not only did it halt a promising drive for Penn State, but it also demonstrated his physicality and vision. This wasn’t just luck; he recognized the play and made a bold move to out-muscle Harrison Wallace III. That play showed the kind of grit and determination that Ohio State’s defense is known for.
Editor: Will Howard had a mixed performance, throwing for 182 yards and two touchdowns, but also facing some challenges with a pick-six and a fumble. What do you think his mindset was like throughout the game, especially considering his personal motivation against Penn State?
Dr. Thompson: Very intriguing point! Howard definitely had a chip on his shoulder after not receiving a scholarship from Penn State. Despite the rough start with the pick-six, he demonstrated resilience by bouncing back and connecting with his key receivers, like Emeka Egbuka and Brandon Inniss, for touchdowns. His ability to shake off early mistakes speaks volumes about his mental toughness.
Editor: This victory marked Ohio State’s eighth consecutive win over Penn State. What does this mean for their standing in the Big Ten Championship race?
Dr. Thompson: It’s huge! With a record of 7-1 and their fourth conference win, Ohio State is very much in the hunt for the Big Ten Championship. They’ve maintained momentum, and this victory strengthens their position not just within their conference but also in playoff conversations. It’s critical for them to capitalize on this win going forward.
Editor: And what about Penn State? They played well but came up short. What can they take away from this game?
Dr. Thompson: For Penn State, there are certainly positives to highlight. Their defense also performed admirably and kept them in the game against a strong Ohio State offense. However, they will need to work on their red-zone execution. Failing to convert on that first-and-goal at the 3-yard line was a significant missed opportunity and ultimately could have changed the game’s outcome.
Editor: Definitely a lot to consider for both teams moving forward. Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Thompson. It was wonderful hearing from you about this exciting game!
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss college football, especially when the stakes are this high.