Penn State Falls To Ohio State 38-14

Penn State is a wounded team. They were a trendy pick to win the national championship this year, but came in at only 3-4, having lost four games in a row. Ohio State won this game 38-14. One of the criticisms of Ohio State is that they have not faced good competition. That is true, though today’s opponent was supposed to be much stronger than it is.

The rest of the regular season schedule for Ohio State is for weak opponents before the showdown when they travel to Ann Arbor to take on their rival, Michigan. Do you think the weak schedule will hurt Ohio State?

Penn State and Ohio State Scoring Summary

In the first quarter, Ohio State Wide Receiver Jeremiah Smith caught a 15-yard touchdown pass. Ohio State led 7-0. That is how the first quarter ended.

In the second quarter, Ohio State Kicker Jayden Fielding kicked a 22-yard field goal, and Ohio State led 10-0. Then, Nicholas Singleton scored a touchdown. It was 10-7, Ohio State. That was the first first-half touchdown Ohio State has given up this year. Then, Carnell Tate scored on a huge 45-yard touchdown pass. It was 17-7 Buckeyes. Right before halftime, Kaytron Allen rushed for a one-yard touchdown for the Nittany Lions. It was 17-14.

In the third quarter, C. J. Donaldson atoned for his costly late first-half fumble by scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run. It was 24-17 Ohio State. Then, Bennett Christian caught a 1-yard touchdown pass, and Ohio State led 31-14.

In the fourth quarter, Smith caught a touchdown off a deflection. Ohio State led 38-14. That is how the game ended. That was the fifth straight loss for Penn State.

Unhappy Valley

The Nittany Lions are struggling. Their starting quarterback, Drew Allar, suffered a knee injury and is out for the rest of the season. The Nittany Lions have lost four games in a row. The once-favorite National Championship pick, the Nittany Lions, fired their head coach, James Franklin, and now may not even make a bowl. The fall of the Penn State football program has been stunning.

News And Notes

• Former Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer rang the victory bell before the game. The bell is rung 9 times for the 9 national championships Ohio State has in football.
• There were six representatives on hand from the National Football League.
• This is the last time these two teams will play until 2028. They have played every year since 1993. Ohio State is now 26-14 all-time against the Nittany Lions.
• Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles was Ohio State’s defensive coordinator from 2022 to 24. He left after Ohio State won the National Championship, quite acrimoniously.
• That is not the only tie between these two closely matched teams. Nittany Lion Running Backs Coach Stan Drayton was an assistant at Ohio State from 2011 to 14. Ohio State Quarterbacks Coach Billy Fessler played quarterback at Penn State from 2014-17. Ohio State Defensive Line Coach Larry Johnson was Penn State’s defensive line coach from 1996 to 2013.
• Ohio State has now won its last 23 games after bye weeks, dating back to 2008.
• Penn State Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer’s mother played basketball at Ohio State.
• The game was a blackout at Ohio Stadium, as fans were encouraged to wear black. Many did, and they were helped by the band, cheerleaders, and even the Ohio State players.
• Julian Sayin is now the favorite for the Heisman Trophy.

Conclusion

The Buckeyes defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 38-14. The Nittany Lions are a wounded team, but they proved to be a tough opponent for Ohio State, though probably not as tough as they were thought to be at the beginning of the season. This was an important game, and many great recruits were at the game today.

The Ohio State performance helped them with the recruits who visited. Ohio State, coming off its second bye, now plays on all of the Saturdays for the rest of the season. They travel to Lafayette, Indiana, to take on the Purdue Boilermakers. Ohio State is now 8-0 this season, and has won 12 consecutive games.