Overview
- Ohio State outscored Penn State 21–0 after halftime for a ninth straight win in the series, moving to 8–0 as the Nittany Lions fell to 3–5 with a fifth consecutive loss.
- Quarterback Julian Sayin went 20-of-23 for 316 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions, prompting Ryan Day to say he belongs in the Heisman conversation if this level continues.
- Receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate overwhelmed Penn State’s secondary, combining for 11 catches, 247 yards and three scores, including a pair of 57-yard strikes.
- Penn State started redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer, who finished 19-of-28 for 145 yards with an interception, as interim coach Terry Smith praised the effort but said the team must learn to finish.
- Analysts noted Ohio State’s run game and limited explosive plays as concerns despite the win, and the Big Ten set Penn State’s home game against No. 2 Indiana for noon next Saturday on FOX.