Well for a quarter of the game, it looked like Penn State might pull off the upset, but their mistakes caught up with them and this one turned ugly fast.
Recap
The Buckeyes received the ball to start the game, and the Lions’ defense held them to a 3 and out. Christian Hackenberg then hit Chris Godwin down the field to get into scoring position, the drive stalled, Joey Julius hit a 33 yard field goal. After a few more defensive stops, the offense was driving when Hackenberg went to hit a wide open Gesicki who dropped the ball. On the next play,Saquon Barkley would rush for a 40 yard touchdown that would be called back. Ohio State would get the ball, change quarterbacks in the 2nd quarter from Cardale Joned to TJ Barrett, who led the home team to three scores in the second quarter. Half time score 21-3.
The Lions received to start the second half, and again Hackenberg hit Godwin for a big play, and after a Barkley run to set up 1st and goal, Hackenberg completed to Hamilton for 8 yard touchdown down the side line. The Buckeyes did not score in the 3rd. Ohio State added a field goal early in the 4th to make it 24-10. On the next drive, a big run from Barkley set up the Lions in the redzone. The drive again stalled and the offense elected to go for it on 4th and 2. Hackenberg was sacked and missed a wide open Barkley streaking down the side line which would’ve made the game 24-17 with about nine minutes to play. Instead, Ohio State would add two more touchdowns and put a pounding on Hackenberg who was visably hurting.
Final score: PSU 10 OSU38
Final Thoughts
Two Lions got to show the nation what they are made off. Running back Saquon Barkley looked more than 100% in his return from injury, rushing for 194 yards against the Buckeyes. If there is no holding penalty and if Hackenberg would have saw him, we’re talking about a 250 yard rushing game with a rushing and receiving score, and most likely a Penn State victory. Those two plays would be a 28 point turn around, because the Buckeyes would score on the pursuing drive both times. Carl Nassib had 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3 TFL, the nation now knows his name. Hackenberg only attempted 13 passes and only completed 7. The two big passes to Godwin were responsible for 103 of Hackenberg’s 120 passing yards. Hamilton’s touchdown would be his only other completion over 6 yards. Hackenberg was sacked 5 times.
The defense couldn’t stop Elliot who rushed for 153 yards and a score, along with Barrett who rushed for 102 yards and touchdown and three for two scores. I think it’s time for Urban Meyer to realize that Barrett is the better option at quarterback.
The punting game killed Penn State, Gulla and Pasquariello both averaged punts under 36 yards for the game. Compared to Johnston of Ohio State who only averaged 41, but pinned the Lions inside their own ten yard line three times.
It was not a great game for any Lions except Barkley, but we all knew it would be a tough task. Next week we head to Baltimore to get revenge on Maryland and become bowl eligible.
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