Ohio State’s 20-13 victory over Penn State highlighted the high stakes of their matchup in Happy Valley on Saturday. With the Buckeyes needing a win to keep their Big Ten championship hopes alive and the Nittany Lions aiming to maintain their undefeated status, the atmosphere was electric.
The game turned on a pivotal goal-line stand and a final drive that consumed the last 5:13 of the clock, sealing Ohio State’s win. This marked the Buckeyes’ eighth consecutive triumph over the Nittany Lions, with four of those games decided by a margin of eight points or less, showcasing the fierce competitiveness of this rivalry.
Here are some key statistics from this notable Big Ten clash.
0: Penn State now holds a 0-5 record against both Michigan and Ohio State since 2022, while achieving a remarkable 28-1 record against all other opponents, including an undefeated 18-0 against other Big Ten teams during that time.
19: This victory marked Ohio State’s first road win against an AP top-five opponent since they defeated No. 2 Texas in 2006. Before this match, the Buckeyes had suffered four consecutive losses in road games against top-five teams.
5: Quarterback Will Howard threw a fifth career pick-six in this game, which ties him for the most among active players in the FBS. This interception was the only touchdown scored by Penn State throughout the contest.
6: Head coach Ryan Day improved his record to 6-0 against Penn State, continuing Ohio State’s dominance since their last loss to the Nittany Lions in 2016.
4: With this win, Day ended a four-game losing streak against AP top-five opponents, now holding a 3-7 record in those matchups. His last victory against a top-five team prior to Saturday was against Clemson in the 2020 College Football Playoff semifinal. He currently boasts a 63-9 record as Ohio State’s head coach.
10: Coach James Franklin’s record against Ohio State now stands at 1-10, with his lone victory occurring in the 2016 matchup. This loss marked the fifth time he has faced Ohio State and lost by a single score.
17: Franklin’s difficulties extend beyond Ohio State; he holds a 1-17 record against AP top-five teams throughout his coaching career, which includes 11 seasons at Penn State and three at Vanderbilt.
13: Despite Franklin’s struggles against top-five opponents, the Nittany Lions have historically faced challenges against elite teams, now holding a 1-23 record against AP top-five opponents since 2000.
23: Ohio State improved its all-time series record against Penn State to 23-8 with this latest victory.
13: Ohio State has now achieved a 7-1 record or better for the 13th consecutive season, showcasing their consistent performance.
678: Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith made history by surpassing Hall of Famer Cris Carter for the most receiving yards by a freshman at Ohio State, catching an 18-yard pass in the third quarter. Smith currently leads the Buckeyes with 678 receiving yards this season.
111,030: The attendance for the Ohio State vs. Penn State game set a new record for Beaver Stadium.
42: The highly regarded running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen struggled during the game, combining for only 42 rushing yards on 2.3 yards per carry without reaching the end zone.
146: Penn State quarterback Drew Allar managed just 146 passing yards in the loss. In his three encounters against top-five opponents, Allar has failed to throw for more than 200 yards each time, averaging only 135.7 yards in those games with only two touchdowns.
4.5: Ohio State edge rusher JT Tuimoloau had a strong outing, recording six total tackles and a half-sack. Unless faced with Penn State again, he will conclude his career with 4.5 sacks against the Nittany Lions.
6: Emeka Egbuka demonstrated his reliability in critical situations, catching a 25-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. This marked his sixth consecutive game with a touchdown reception against top-five opponents. He concluded the game with three catches for 31 yards and the touchdown.
95: Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins rushed for 95 yards during the game, marking the 20th time in 34 career games he has surpassed 90 yards on the ground. This was only the third instance since transferring from Ole Miss that he has achieved this milestone.
