HIGHLIGHTS: Penn State football falls to Ohio State, undefeated season ends

For the eighth year in a row, Penn State football has lost to Ohio State. This time, it comes with a 20-13 defeat to the No. 4 Buckeyes at home, ending the Nittany Lions’ perfect season. After appearing to have corrected its offensive woes from a year ago, the Penn State offense stalled on the big stage once again Saturday, putting up just six points in the loss.

Penn State football loses early lead after momentum-swinging first half

© Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2024.

If there was any concern about the health of quarterback Drew Allar, it quickly vanished after the Nittany Lions’ first possession. Penn State drove 61 yards on 13 plays, led by 20 yards from Allar on the ground. But flagged for an ineligible man downfield inside the Buckeyes 15-yard line, the Nittany Lions could not take advantage of the momentum and had to settle for three points.

It didn’t take long for the Penn State defense to reclaim the energy. On Ohio State’s third play from scrimmage, sophomore cornerback Zion Tracy jumped a slant route from quarterback Will Howard and went untouched 31 yards for a touchdown.

However, the Buckeyes popped right back up and delivered a seven-play, 74-yard scoring drive to make it a 10-7 game. Boosted by runs of 11 and 22 yards from Quinshon Judkins, Howard capped the series with a 25-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Emeka Egbuka.

After going three-and-out, the Nittany Lions had two opportunities to get off the field. But two third down penalties extended the Ohio State drive, which resulted in Will Howard touchdown pass to Brandon Inniss to give the Buckeyes their first lead of the game.

© Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

On its next possession, Ohio State was looking to potentially put the game out of reach with a third consecutive score. Driving from their own 42, Howard was sprinting toward the corner of end zone with the chance to do just that, until Zakee Wheatley poked the ball out, bouncing through the back of the end zone for a Penn State touchback.

© Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2024.

While enough to stop the bleeding, Penn State couldn’t capitalize on the momentum swing. Swapping three-and-outs, the Nittany Lions had a chance to put together a two-minute drill to go into half time with the lead. After driving down all the way to the two yard line, Ohio State found yet another momentum-swinging play. Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun ripped a Drew Allar fade out of Harrison Wallace’s hands in the corner of the end zone with 11 seconds to play in the half.

For the third consecutive game, Penn State football went into the locker room down trailing.

No second half comeback for the Nittany Lions

Ohio State continued its scoring streak out of the half, knocking through a 46-yard field goal on its opening series to make it 17 unanswered points since Tracy’s pick six.

The Nittany Lions were finally able to get back on the scoreboard, although likely not the way James Franklin and Andy Kotelnicki envisioned during their halftime adjustments. Another stalled drive, this time going for 49 yards, resulted in a Ryan Barker field goal from 44 yards out.

© Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

The Buckeyes were able to get those three points back quickly, making it a touchdown game with 10 minutes to play. Penn State responded with a 74-yard drive, spurred by a 31-yard reception and 33-yard rush by Tyler Warren. But with first and goal from the three, the Nittany Lions could not convert, turning it over on downs.

The goal line stand was essentially the game. Penn State football would not get the ball back, as Ohio State would bleed the remaining five minutes off the clock to escape Happy Valley with another victory.

Final Stats

Penn State:

• Total yards – 270
• Rushing yards – 120
• Passing yards – 150
• Average yards per play – 5.1

Individual leaders:

• Passing – Drew Allar: 12-20, 146 yards,1 interception
• Rushing – Tyler Warren: 3 carries, 47 yards
• Receiving – Nicholas Singleton: 6 receptions, 54 yards
• Tackles – Zakee Wheatley: 10 total (9 solo)

Ohio State:

• Total yards – 358
• Rushing yards – 176
• Passing yards – 182
• Average yards per play – 5.6

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