The #13 Ohio State Buckeyes were in top form in the first half, stifling the Penn State Nittany Lions on their home field en route to a 17-0 halftime lead.
Penn State turned the tables in the second half, scoring 17 unanswered points to tie the game and send it into overtime.
Each team traded touchdowns in the first overtime before OSU QB JT Barrett scrambled in for a touchdown to open the second OT. Penn State couldn't match, as OSU survived a late Penn State onslaught for a 31-24 victory.
Turning Point: JT Barrett took it upon himself to bring Ohio State home the victory during the two overtime periods. Using his legs for TD runs of 5 and 4 yards, he did just that. Furthermore, he kept Ohio State's College Football Playoff hopes alive in the process.
Key Stat: 77 yards
Penn State's offense amassed just 208 yards of total offense in regulation time. However, 77 of that (just over 37% of their regulation yardage output) came on a stop-and-start game-tying drive with time winding down. PSU kicker Sam Ficken's 31-yard field goal turned what looked like a sure Buckeyes win with 30 minutes gone by into an overtime finish to remember.
Ohio State Player of the Game: RB Ezekiel Elliott (26 carries, 109 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 catch, 7 yards)
Elliott was the best player on the field in the first half, gashing the Penn State defense to help the Buckeyes to a 17-0 halftime lead. Elliott absorbed contact between the tackles and turned on the jets on the edge, functioning as Ohio State's biggest offensive weapon for most of a night where defenses had their way.
Penn State Player of the Game: WR DaeSean Hamilton (14 catches, 126 yards)
Christian Hackenberg was forced to drop back more often than not on Saturday with the running back corps seemingly still asleep in their dorms. Hamilton was Hackenberg's most dynamic and available target, providing production for Penn State's offense when all other options seemed to be shut down at times.
What's Next? Ohio State heads home to face the Illinois Fighting Illini at The Horseshoe next Saturday (kickoff at 8:00pm EST). Penn State will remain in Happy Valley this week prior to hosting the Maryland Terrapins (kickoff TBD).
Back to the Ohio State Buckeyes Newsfeed