In a gritty Big Ten clash that tested the mettle of both teams, No. 4 Ohio State held off No. 3 Penn State 20-13 in front of a record 111,030 fans at Beaver Stadium. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, a Pennsylvania native with a long-standing chip on his shoulder, returned to the state in triumphant fashion, throwing for 182 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Buckeyes (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten) to their eighth consecutive victory over Penn State (7-1, 4-1).
Howard’s performance was as cathartic as it was consequential. Passed over by Penn State during his recruitment, Howard didn’t hesitate to make a statement, signaling first down three times in a row after a pivotal late-game drive. Despite a rough start that saw Howard throw a pick-six on his first pass, his persistence paid off as he led Ohio State’s offense down the field repeatedly, securing a memorable victory.
The Buckeyes’ offense may lack the firepower of past Ohio State teams, but this version has embraced a physical, methodical style that held up well under pressure. The Ohio State offensive line, rebounding from a subpar performance against Nebraska, controlled the line of scrimmage when it mattered most, especially on a fourth-quarter drive that featured 11 straight runs. The Buckeyes used sheer physicality to drain the clock and keep Penn State at bay, showing a style that could serve them well in the postseason.
For Penn State, the loss raises questions about offensive support for quarterback Drew Allar. Although tight end Tyler Warren led the team with 94 combined yards (47 rushing, 47 receiving), the Nittany Lions’ wide receivers struggled to make an impact, totaling just three catches for 49 yards. Allar, dealing with a knee injury, did what he could to keep Penn State competitive, throwing for 146 yards and adding 31 on the ground. But without reliable targets downfield, Penn State’s offense stalled repeatedly.
The game kicked off with Howard’s early interception returned for a touchdown, putting Ohio State down 10-0. But the Kansas State transfer quarterback quickly regrouped, finding receivers Emeka Egbuka and Brandon Inniss for touchdown passes that evened the score. Despite Howard’s later fumble that nullified a potential score, he delivered in the game’s final minutes, converting on an option play that sealed the victory and sent fans on both sides into a frenzy.
Meanwhile, Ohio State’s defense proved resilient against a relentless Penn State push. With Penn State driving deep into Ohio State territory late in the fourth quarter, Buckeyes defensive back Davison Igbinosun wrestled a potential touchdown pass away from Penn State’s Harrison Wallace III, preventing a scoring opportunity that could have shifted the game’s momentum. In the fourth quarter, Ohio State denied Penn State at the goal line with a crucial stop on fourth down, forcing the Nittany Lions to turn the ball over on downs.
This loss complicates Penn State’s path to the Big Ten Championship and dents its College Football Playoff résumé. Coach James Franklin, visibly frustrated, exchanged words with a fan as he exited the field, knowing the Nittany Lions had missed a significant chance to enhance their postseason standing. Although Penn State remains in the playoff hunt, the inability to finish drives and the absence of explosive plays from the receiving corps loom as challenges.
For Ohio State, this victory bolsters a campaign that leans on discipline, defense, and power. With another top-three win under their belt, the Buckeyes have cemented themselves as one of the Big Ten’s most formidable teams. As for Penn State, questions remain about how to address offensive inefficiencies and find additional weapons to support Allar and Warren. Both teams continue to eye the postseason, but Saturday’s game underscored that Ohio State, at least for now, still has the upper hand in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries.
