No. 4 Ohio State triumphed over No. 3 Penn State with a score of 20-13 at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, marking a significant road victory that will undoubtedly influence the upcoming College Football Playoff rankings to be revealed on Tuesday. This win not only boosts Ohio State’s confidence but also puts them firmly in the conversation for playoff contention.
Ohio State’s Resilience Shines Through
Ohio State coach Ryan Day has now improved his record against top-five teams to 3-6, a much-needed boost after facing criticism for an uneven performance against Nebraska in Week 9. The Buckeyes showcased their strength by rushing for 177 yards, demonstrating a powerful ground game that culminated in 11 consecutive run plays to close out the game. Quarterback Will Howard played a pivotal role, converting crucial third downs and leading his team with poise.
Meanwhile, for the Nittany Lions, another opportunity to defeat the Buckeyes slipped through their fingers. Penn State coach James Franklin’s struggles against Ohio State continue, as he now holds a dismal 1-10 record against them and 1-14 against top-five teams. The Nittany Lions had a promising start, but they failed to capitalize on their early lead, which ultimately proved costly.
Game Highlights: How Ohio State Clinched the Victory
The game began with an electrifying start for Penn State, as they jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. Zion Tracy’s 31-yard interception return for a touchdown set the tone, but Ohio State quickly responded. Will Howard, despite a fumble at the goal line that resulted in a turnover, threw touchdown passes to Emeka Egbuka and Brandon Inniss, flipping the scoreboard to give the Buckeyes a 14-10 advantage.
As the game progressed, Ohio State and Penn State exchanged field goals in the second half, with the Buckeyes holding a 20-13 lead with just over ten minutes left in the fourth quarter. The defining moment came when Penn State’s quarterback Drew Allar failed to connect with Khalil Dinkins on a crucial fourth-and-goal pass with 5:13 remaining. This marked the second consecutive week that Ohio State executed a goal-line stand, showcasing their defensive prowess.
Despite being pinned at their own one-yard line, Ohio State demonstrated remarkable composure, finishing the game with 11 straight run plays. Howard completed 16 of 24 passes for 182 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. He received valuable support from running backs Quinshon Judkins (14 carries for 95 yards) and TreVeyon Henderson (10 carries for 54 yards). The Buckeyes’ defense also limited the Nittany Lions to a mere 3 of 11 on third-down conversions, a crucial statistic in their victory.
Breaking Down Big Ten Playoff Contenders
So, what does this victory mean for the Big Ten championship and the College Football Playoff landscape? Let’s take a closer look at the top contenders:
| TEAM | OVERALL | CONFERENCE |
| Oregon | 9-0 | 6-0 |
| Indiana | 9-0 | 6-0 |
| Ohio State | 7-1 | 4-1 |
| Penn State | 7-1 | 4-1 |
Oregon’s Dominance
Oregon remains the top dog in the AP Top 25, likely securing the No. 1 position in the first set of College Football Playoff rankings. The Ducks have a tie-breaker over Ohio State due to their narrow 32-31 victory on October 12. They solidified their standing with a convincing 38-17 win against Michigan, making them a formidable force in the playoff race.
Indiana’s Rising Star
The Hoosiers are making waves this season, currently boasting a 9-0 record and controlling their destiny in the Big Ten race. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke returned from injury to throw four touchdown passes in a dominant 47-10 win over Michigan State. With a matchup against Michigan in Week 11 and a crucial game at Ohio State on November 23, Indiana is poised to make a significant impact. Even as a potential one-loss team, they could make a compelling case for playoff consideration if they perform well in Columbus.
Penn State’s Frustration
For Penn State, this loss is particularly frustrating. It may jeopardize their chances of reaching the Big Ten championship game, especially if Ohio State continues to win. The Nittany Lions have a favorable remaining schedule against Washington, Purdue, Minnesota, and Maryland. A strong finish could see them finish the season at 11-1, which would likely secure a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff. However, whether that would be enough for a first-round home game remains uncertain.
Ohio State’s Path Forward
What a difference a week makes in Columbus! Ohio State’s running game and red-zone defense were instrumental in their hard-fought victory over Penn State. Coach Ryan Day has eased some doubts surrounding his team’s ability to perform in big games, at least until they face Michigan on November 30. The Buckeyes are set to be ranked no lower than No. 3 in the upcoming CFP rankings, and they control their destiny toward the Big Ten championship game and a potential rematch with Oregon.
With both Ohio State and Oregon looking like playoff locks, the race for the fourth playoff spot from the Big Ten remains competitive. Indiana, despite being undefeated, is still vying for that coveted position. The coming weeks will be crucial as teams jockey for playoff positioning and the chance to compete for college football’s ultimate prize.
