In one of the college football season’s premier showdowns, Ohio State showed it had Penn State’s number … again.
Ohio State’s football team clinched a hard-fought 20-13 road victory over Penn State on Saturday, November 2, in a thrilling showdown that highlighted resilience, rivalry, and a spectacular homecoming for quarterback Will Howard. After transferring from Kansas State, Howard’s journey to the Buckeyes set the stage for this dramatic Big Ten clash.
Though the Buckeyes stumbled early due to Howard’s pick-six, they displayed a tough, physical style that ultimately wore down the Nittany Lions. Each play, stat, and memorable moment added depth to the rivalry’s long history, and this victory kept Ohio State’s College Football Playoff hopes strong while dashing Penn State’s dream of a Big Ten Championship appearance.
Howard vs. PSU (photo courtesy Yahoo! Sports)
Will Howard’s Homecoming: Ohio State quarterback Will Howard harbored feelings of being overlooked by his home state’s college, Penn State. The Pennsylvania native found new motivation in the rivalry, setting his sights on proving his talent on the Big Ten stage. With a transfer from Kansas State, Howard joined the Buckeyes, eager to take on Penn State and lay claim to a spot in the spotlight.
Howard’s performance was a mix of highs and lows. Despite an early interception that led to a 10-point deficit, he showed resilience. Howard threw for 182 yards, including key touchdown passes to Emeka Egbuka and Brandon Inniss.
The Kansas State transfer even contributed with 24 rushing yards, showing versatility as he orchestrated the final, decisive drive to drain the clock. This mix of playmaking and adaptability was crucial in securing the win, though not without challenges.
Ohio State’s Physical Play Defines the Game: The Buckeyes’ defense held firm in critical moments, especially during Penn State’s fourth-quarter push to score from within the Ohio State 3-yard line. The Nittany Lions’ offense, led by tight end Tyler Warren and running back Kaytron Allen, fell short in a tense goal-line stand. Three attempts yielded only 2 yards, and on fourth down, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar’s pass fell incomplete, allowing Ohio State to close the game.
With Penn State unable to convert in the red zone, Ohio State’s offense responded with an 11-play drive composed entirely of runs. This final possession was a testament to Ohio State’s physical prowess, as the offensive line pushed Penn State back, play after play. This dominant drive allowed the Buckeyes to control the clock and deny Penn State a final chance, sealing the game.
For Buckeyes fans watching from home or on the go, Ohio betting apps offered a way to engage with each play, adding another layer of excitement to this intense matchup. With Ohio State having crucial games coming up, like their showdown with Michigan, fans will have even more opportunities to follow each moment closely and stay connected to the action through these apps as the season progresses.
Penn State’s Missed Opportunities: Penn State’s quarterback Drew Allar displayed resilience, throwing for 146 yards and running for another 31, but Ohio State’s defense consistently thwarted his scoring attempts. Despite getting into Ohio State territory several times, Allar and the Nittany Lions’ offense faltered, unable to capitalize on critical plays and missing a significant chance to enhance their College Football Playoff (CFP) resume.
Davison Igbinosun intercepts vs. Penn State (photo courtesy Cleveland.com)
During a drive late in the first half, Ohio State defensive back Davison Igbinosun intercepted a pass intended for Penn State’s Harrison Wallace III, cutting short a promising Penn State offensive effort. This interception by Igbinosun further underscored Ohio State’s defensive tenacity and marked a turning point in the game’s momentum, keeping the Buckeyes’ lead intact.
Howard’s Redemption Drive: Howard’s start was rocky, with his first pass resulting in a pick-six that gave Penn State an early 10-0 lead. However, Howard made up for this mistake through effective passing and decision-making as the game progressed. Despite a fumble that cost the Buckeyes a potential touchdown, he stayed focused and led the team to redemption, including the game-winning drive.
Howard’s passing accuracy was crucial in the Buckeyes’ recovery. He threw two touchdown passes — one to Emeka Egbuka and another to Brandon Inniss — that kept Ohio State in the game. Despite the earlier setback, the connection with Egbuka, who has become a reliable target, showcased Howard’s skill in the passing game.
Tyler Warren’s Role and Penn State’s Offensive Gaps: Penn State’s tight end Tyler Warren had an impactful game, accumulating 47 rushing and 47 receiving yards. Despite his effectiveness, he was conspicuously absent during the team’s final attempts at scoring, as Ohio State’s defense focused on neutralizing his influence. Warren’s absence in these crucial moments underscored Penn State’s reliance on him and exposed the team’s gaps in offensive versatility.
The Nittany Lions’ wide receivers were muted, catching only three passes for 49 yards. Their limited production put additional pressure on the Penn State offense, making it difficult to sustain drives. Ohio State’s defense effectively shut down these receivers, forcing Penn State to rely heavily on Warren and their running game.
Big Ten Championship and CFP Implications: The loss dealt a significant blow to Penn State’s Big Ten Championship aspirations. Despite remaining within CFP contention, this defeat against Ohio State leaves the Nittany Lions with little margin for error. Head coach James Franklin, facing criticism from fans, must regroup his team to maintain any hopes of securing a playoff berth.
Ohio State’s victory kept its CFP hopes alive and proved its physical style could prevail against elite opponents. While this Buckeyes team may lack the offensive explosiveness of past years, the focus on physical play and defensive strength may be the key to success in high-stakes games as the postseason approaches.
A Rivalry Steeped in History: Ohio State and Penn State’s rivalry is among the fiercest in the Big Ten, and this latest encounter continues a trend that has spanned decades. The Buckeyes have consistently edged out the Nittany Lions, and this victory extended their winning streak to eight consecutive games. The rivalry’s intensity reflects both programs’ storied histories and ambitions in college football.
While personnel changes and evolving strategies are constants, the rivalry’s stakes remain unchanged. With each meeting, the programs showcase their best efforts to outdo each other. Despite these shifts, Ohio State’s ability to adapt and secure wins has solidified its edge over Penn State in recent years.
Howard’s Reflection and the Buckeyes’ Future: Reflecting on the game, Howard felt his performance was among his weakest of the season, yet he guided the team to victory. Howard’s resolve was apparent three weeks after a close loss to Oregon, where a late slide prevented a field goal attempt. This win represented a significant step forward as the Buckeyes look to close the season on a high note.
Ohio State’s reliance on a solid running game and a formidable defense differentiates them from previous teams.
The Buckeyes’ physicality against Penn State demonstrated a style that could carry them deep into the postseason.
