UNIVERSITY PARKโย Death, taxes and Penn State falling short against Ohio State.
Penn State came into Beaver Stadium Saturday morning 1-9 against Ohio State since James Franklin took over as coach in 2014.
It left Beaver Stadium Saturday afternoon 1-10 in its last 11 against the Buckeyes, losing 20-13.
No. 3 Penn State is now 7-1 and still in a good position to make the College Football Playoffs but fans are rightfully frustrated.
Hereโs how it happened.
PENN STATE VS. OHIO STATE: THE FIRST HALF
On Penn Stateโs opening drive, it went 14 plays for 61 yards and took eight minutes, ending with a 29-yard field goal by Ryan Barker.
On a third and five, Penn State corner Zion Tracy picked off Ohio State QB Will Howard and returned it 31 yards untouched for a TD.
Perfect read by Zion Tracy. pic.twitter.com/3WCcTRDbZg
— Joe Smeltzer (@joesmeltzer775) November 2, 2024
But Ohio State fought back.
On the ensuing possession, Ohio State marched 74 yards on seven plays, ending with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Will Howard to Emeka Egbuka.
That didn't take long โก๏ธ
Will Howard finds Emeka Egbuka for the instant response by @OhioStatefb ๐ช pic.twitter.com/RQTytXdcrF
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 2, 2024
After Ohio State forced a three and out, Howard and company were back on the ball. A 10 play, 81 yard drive ended with a 21-yard TD from Howard to Brandon Inniss.
Ohio State was inches away from making it 21-10 on its next possession but Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley knocked the ball out of Howardโs hand through the end zone, resulting in a touchback.
WILL HOWARD MAY HAVE JUST FUMBLED THE BALL OUT OF THE END ZONE pic.twitter.com/IFzCZVPjDP
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) November 2, 2024
Penn State couldnโt capitalize on its next possession.
PSU had a golden chance to re-take the lead in the dying seconds of the first half when a 21-yard completion from Allar to Harrison Wallace III put the ball on the Ohio State 3. On the next play, Allar tried to hit Wallace for a touchdown in the corner of the end zone but Ohio Stateโs Davison Igbinosun made a freak interception to end Penn Stateโs chances of going into halftime with the lead.
PENN STATE-OHIO STATE: THE SECOND HALF
Ohio State had the ball to start the second half and ended up pushing the lead to 17-10 with a 46-yard field goal by Jayden Fielding. Penn State answered on its next drive, which ended on a 44-yard field goal by Ryan Barker, which made it 17-13 and broke a 17-0 scoring run by Ohio State.
Ohio State pushed the lead to 20-13 with another Fielding field goal.
The Nittany Lions were able to march down the field thanks to a 31-yard reception and 33-yard run from Warren but were stymied on four consecutive plays inside the Ohio State 5.
After turning the ball over on downs with 5:13 remaining in the game, the Penn State defense was unable to get the ball back as the Ohio State rushing attack iced the game for the Buckeyes.
Penn State will look to bounce back next week against Washington at Beaver Stadium. Kickoff will be at either 3:30 or 8 on CBS.
