1st Quarter
OSU - Burke int return 18 yards (Fielding kick) 2:53
OSU - Judkins 1 yd run (Fielding kick) 2:06
PSU - Evans 77 yd pass from Allar (Sahaydak kick) 1:35
2nd Quarter
OSU - Henderson 10 yd pass from Howard (Fielding kick) 5:16
OSU - Scott Jr 41 yd pass from Howard (Fielding kick) 3:13
OSU - Smith 9 yd pass from Howard (Fielding kick) 0:13
3rd Quarter
PSU - Fleming 74 yd pass from Allar (Sahaydak kick) 4:59
OSU - Scott Jr 3 yd pass from Howard (Fielding miss) 1:13
4th Quarter
OSU - Fielding 27 yd FG, 5:23
OSU finally gets one back in the win column. Defense was stout early and PSU blinked first with a pick 6 from Allar by Burke. OSU offense was able to score shortly thereafter and the crowd was rocking.
PSU just wasn't really able to get things going as the crowd got louder and the drives got shorter.
OSU found some rhythm on offense and was able to salt away the win finally after blowing leads in the last 2 games.
Game Recap: Penn State vs. Ohio State - The Shoe, Columbus, OH
Final Score: Penn State 14 - Ohio State 45
In a highly anticipated Big Ten matchup, Ohio State dominated the second half to defeat Penn State 45-14 at the Shoe in Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes controlled the game with a stifling defense and efficient offense, turning a close contest early on into a commanding victory. The crowd at Ohio Stadium was electric for much of the game, creating an intimidating atmosphere that played a major role in the outcome.
First Quarter: A Close Start
Penn State opened the game with a promising drive, moving the ball downfield with ease. However, after reaching the Ohio State 25-yard line, the Nittany Lions' drive stalled, and K Sander Sahaydak missed a field goal attempt, keeping the game scoreless. The crowd roared in relief!
The Buckeyes were held to a punt on their first possession so it looked like we were in for a battle.
With momentum shifting, Ohio State struck first. CB Denzel Burke intercepted a pass from Penn State QB Drew Allar and returned it 18 yards for a pick-six, giving Ohio State an early 7-0 lead. The roar of the crowd intensified, and it set the tone for the rest of the contest.
Ohio State extended its lead with a one-yard touchdown run by RB Quinshon Judkins.
Penn State fought back quickly. Allar connected with WR Omari Evans on a beautifully thrown 77-yard touchdown pass, cutting the Buckeye lead to 14-7.
At the end of the first quarter, Ohio State held a slim 14-7 lead.
Second Quarter: Buckeye Surge
Ohio State came out firing in the second quarter, showcasing their offensive depth and defensive dominance. The Buckeyes scored three quick touchdowns in the period, while their defense blanked Penn State, holding them scoreless.
Will Howard, Ohio State’s QB, was in sync with his receiving corps. He first found HB TreVeyon Henderson for a 10-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 21-7. Then, a deep 41-yard strike to TE Gee Scott Jr. made it 28-7. Finally, Howard connected with WR Jeremiah Smith for a 9-yard touchdown, pushing the Buckeye lead to 35-7.
Penn State’s offense was stifled throughout the quarter. Despite a few solid throws from Allar, the Nittany Lions could not convert on third downs or sustain drives, and they entered halftime facing a daunting 35-7 deficit.
Second Half: Buckeye Defense Clinches the Game
The third quarter was a defensive showcase for Ohio State, with the Buckeyes maintaining control and limiting Penn State to a single touchdown. QB Drew Allar hit WR Julian Fleming on a 74-yard pass for a score, briefly providing some hope for the Nittany Lions, but it was quickly extinguished.
Ohio State responded with a 3-yard touchdown pass from QB Will Howard to TE Gee Scott Jr., though the Buckeyes missed the extra point, making it 41-14. Despite several attempts by Penn State, the Nittany Lions could not capitalize on any offensive opportunities, and Ohio State’s defense continued to dominate.
Fourth Quarter: Ohio State Closes It Out
In the final frame, Ohio State added a 27-yard field goal by K Jayden Fielding, extending their lead to 44-14. With the outcome all but decided, Ohio State's defense put the finishing touches on the game, holding Penn State scoreless for the remainder of the contest.
The Buckeyes wrapped up the game in front of a raucous home crowd, sealing the victory with a 45-14 scoreline.
Key Takeaways:
Ohio State's Defense: The Buckeyes' defense, led by CB Denzel Burke's pick-six and their ability to shut down Penn State in the second half, was the difference-maker in this game. They completely neutralized the Nittany Lions' offense after a brief period of success.
QB Will Howard's Efficiency: Will Howard was sharp, going 18 of 22 for 282 yards, 4 touchdowns and - INTs and guiding the Buckeyes’ offense with poise and precision. His ability to distribute the ball efficiently was crucial in extending the lead.
Missed Opportunities for Penn State: Despite some flashes of brilliance, including the 77-yard touchdown pass to WR Omari Evans, Penn State's inability to capitalize on early opportunities—like the missed field goal—proved costly. The Nittany Lions' offense never really found a rhythm after the first quarter, and their defense couldn’t keep pace with Ohio State’s scoring onslaught.
Great game coach Dan and good luck the rest of the way!
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