It turns out Penn State football’s loss to Ohio State Nov. 2 might not cost it at all because Ohio State failed to beat hated Michigan, meaning Penn State just has to beat Maryland to make it to the Big Ten Championship Game.
A 21-yard field goal by Michigan’s Dominic Zvada gave UM a 13-10 lead with 45 seconds left.
GAME OVER
THE MICHIGAN WOLVERINES SHOCK OHIO STATE @UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/J7WWH9U8FT
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 30, 2024
Michigan’s defense held the rest of the way, and the 19.5-point road underdogs beat their rivals for the fourth season in a row.
What this means is that PSU has to take care of business as a 24.5-point favorite to punch its ticket to Indianapolis next Saturday.
THE TIEBREAKER
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 23: Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti talks to his players during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 23, 2024, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire)
Coming into Saturday, Indiana, Ohio State and Penn State all had identical records (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten). Because Ohio State beat Indiana and Penn State, all it had to do was beat Michigan. Because Ohio State beat Indiana by more than it beat PSU (23 points vs. seven), Penn State was next in line. It seemed impossible that Ohio State would lose to its rival once again, but that is indeed what transpired. Now, Penn State has full control.
WHO AWAITS PENN STATE?
EUGENE, OR – OCTOBER 12: Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) runs for a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter during a college football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks on October 12, 2024, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.(Photo by Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire)
PSU would now have to face the No. 1 team in the country. Oregon is the only undefeated team in the country. So, yeah, this should be a good one.
In the meantime, PSU has to take care.
