Ohio State vs. Penn State score, takeaways: Buckeyes outmuscle Nittany Lions late to stay in Big Ten race

Ohio State's defense is back to form 

Between transfer additions and returning players, Ohio State entered the 2024 season with what many called the best defense in the entire nation. While that has largely held true, some of the mystique faded away when Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel torched the Buckeyes to the tune of 341 yards and two touchdowns passing in the Ducks' 32-31 win a few weeks ago. 

After the bye, and another strong showing against Nebraska, Ohio State's defense proved, once again, that it is all the way back to form. Penn State's offense has been solid this year under new coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, whose teams normally provide a huge challenge with his weird formations and motion plays designed to throw defenses off. 

It largely did not work against Ohio State, which did a good job of staying tuned into the situation and playing fundamental football. There were, of course, the huge stops. OSU's defense won the game on fourth-and-goal late in the fourth quarter. Cornerback Davison Igbinosun's interception right before halftime was equally important in maintaining momentum, as well.

But the Buckeyes were dominant all day. Penn State crossed into Ohio State territory just four times; one of those was on a drive that began on the other side of the 50-yard line. Penn State's rushing attack, led by one of the Big Ten's best duos in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, was largely non-existent. Penn State averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, and its longest run of the day -- 33 yards -- came from tight end Tyler Warren. 

It was a statement game from Ohio State's defense, which showed that it deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as some of the nation's other strongest units. 

Penn State still alive for CFP

The result is disappointing, and it will sting for a while that Penn State coach James Franklin let another one slip away. Especially since the Nittany Lions had two opportunities, late in the second quarter and then again in the fourth quarter, to score touchdowns inside Ohio State's own 5-yard line. 

But, unlike in previous seasons with a more limited College Football Playoff field, this isn't the end for the Nittany Lions. In fact, they should be seen as a heavy favorite to make the 12-team playoff. A seven-point loss to the No. 4 team in the nation isn't going to knock them very far down the national standings. 

Their schedule to close the year is more than just manageable: Penn State will be heavily favored to win out. The toughest remaining game appears to be a road trip to Minnesota, which just won its fourth Big Ten game in a row, on Nov. 23. Otherwise, Penn State has to play Washington, Purdue and Maryland, a trio of schools that have a combined conference record of 4-12 heading into Week 10. 

Hat tip to Ohio State's offensive line 

Ohio State's offensive line was under the microscope this week. The Buckeyes lost star left tackle Josh Simmons for the season against Oregon, and they had a lackluster game against Nebraska that created plenty of question marks for one of the most important units on the field. 

Well, they more than answered the call against a solid Penn State defensive front. Sure, the Nittany Lions got through for three sacks and Penn State did have six tackles for loss, but quarterback Will Howard had a clean pocket to work with for a majority of the game. 

Then, of course, there was the work that Ohio State put forth in the run game. Ohio State's final drive, where it was able to eat over five minutes off of the clock to secure the win and keep the ball out of Penn State's hands late in the fourth quarter, was a masterclass in run blocking. 

Ohio State's offensive front opened sizable holes and ensured that the Buckeyes' running backs made it past the line of scrimmage without being touched. Ohio State running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, who were basically a non-factor against Nebraska, averaged 6.2 yards per carry. A lot of that work came on the final drive, where Ohio State had seven runs of at least five yards. 

It was an impressive performance from Ohio State's offensive line, an encouraging sign as the Buckeyes navigate the final month of the season and then the postseason. 

Ohio State runs to another win against Penn State 

Final: No. 4 Ohio State 20, No. 3 Penn State 13

Ohio State regained its spot near the top of the Big Ten standings and take a commanding lead in the race for a 12-team College Football Playoff. Despite playing behind a depleted offensive line, the Buckeyes ran the ball to do it. 

They took over at their own 1-yard line with 5:13 left to play in the fourth quarter after stoning Penn State's offense on fourth-and-goal and proceeded to grind the clock behind the legs of running back Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson and Will Howard. Despite the fact that Penn State still had all three timeouts, it never touched the ball again. 

The Buckeyes had seven runs of at least five yards on the final drive to keep ahead of the chains, and more importantly, the clock. Judkins had 32 yards of his own. 

Penn State's defense, which was so good all day, couldn't get that final stop. Not that the blame should fall on that side of the ball at all. The Nittany Lions were totally ineffective on the offensive side of the ball. Failing to score when they had first-and-goal at Ohio State's 3-yard line in a situation that could have tied the game was egregious, but it wasn't surprising in the context of the rest of the game. 

Penn State kicked a field goal on its first drive of the day, but the rest of its possessions in the first half ended in, respectively: punt,  punt, punt and an interception thrown on Ohio State's 3-yard line with less than 15 seconds to play in the second quarter. 

The Nittany Lions offense had the ball on Ohio State's 3-yard line twice, and both possessions ended in a turnover. Six of Penn State's eight offensive drives ended in either a punt or a turnover. 

• Penn State coach James Franklin is now 0-11 when leading a ranked team against AP Top-5 opponents, the worst record for a head coach in such games since 2000. 
• Ohio State has now won eight games in a row against Penn State, the longest streak in the series. 
• Penn State is now 0-7 against Ohio State and Michigan since 2021 and 35-5 against all other opponents. 

CBS Sports was with you throughout the game with updates, analysis and highlights. Read on below for more takeaways from Ohio State vs. Penn State 

Ohio State puts up a wall 

Late 4Q: No. 4 Ohio State 20, No. 3 Penn State 13 

I've made a lot about Penn State's defense today, but Ohio State's defense has been even better. That unit may have just slammed the door on this game. Penn State got the ball to OSU's 3-yard line after a huge 33-yard run from tight end Tyler Warren. The Nittany Lions tried three straight runs and gained a total of two yards, setting up fourth-and-1 on Ohio State's goal line. No dice. PSU QB Drew Allar tried to pass for it, but the Buckeyes had every receiver covered and forced an incomplete pass. Now Ohio State has a chance to bleed plenty of clock, though it will have its back to its own goal line. 

Penn State may want to feed Tyler Warren 

Good things happen when Penn State tight end Tyler Warren touches the ball. The Nittany Lions have made more of an effort to feed him in the second half, which seems like a winning game plan. He just had the catch of the day on what is a crucial drive for Penn State. Warren raced down the sideline and ripped the ball out of Ohio State defensive back Lathan Ransom's hands for a 31-yard gain, giving the Nittany Lions possession in Ohio State territory. 

Ohio State creates more distance 

Early 4Q: No. 4 Ohio State 20, No. 3 Penn State 13 

Another drive, another interesting call. Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins got blasted attempting to make a catch and, upon first look, appeared to fumble the ball. Penn State recovered and returned it into Ohio State territory. But review ruled that Judkins never had control and overturned the call to an incomplete pass. The Buckeyes used that momentum to drive to Penn State's 21-yard line, where they stalled and kicked a 39-yard field goal to bring their lead back to a touchdown. 

This is a crucial drive for Penn State's offense, which has struggled to move the ball consistently. Coming away without a score here could doom the Nittany Lions' chances. 

Ohio State takes advantage into final frame 

End 3Q: No. 4 Ohio State 17, No. 3 Penn State 13

And with how Penn State is playing, it's looking like that might not change. Penn State's defense has done everything it can to keep this game close, from a pick six -- Penn State's only touchdown thus far -- to a forced fumble near the end zone that robbed Ohio State of a touchdown and forced a touchback. 

But the Nittany Lions' offense looks completely dysfunctional. Anytime the defense opens the door, the offense stumbles to a poor showing. Take the end of the third quarter, for example. Penn State's defense forced a quick change of possession thanks to a sack from Abdul Carter, his second of the game. 

On the first play, Drew Allar completed a 13-yard pass to Nicholas Singleton. Then he was sacked twice and Penn State had to punt again, surrendering another opportunity to go ahead and change the game's dynamic. 

Now Ohio State has the ball, and the lead, as the game transitions to its final frame. 

Record crowd in Beaver Stadium 

Penn State fans certainly showed up. The university announced an attendance of 111,030 midway through the third quarter, a new Beaver Stadium record. The crowd has certainly done its part, but it would help if Penn State's offense would give them something to cheer for. With the stakes surrounding this game, though, it makes sense that fans would pack the stands. 

Penn State gets back on the board 

Late 3Q: No. 4 Ohio State 17, No. 3 Penn State 13 

Penn State's offense still can't really find its footing. The Nittany Lions had a good drive going, moving the ball to Ohio State's 31-yard line thanks to a couple of big passing plays from quarterback Drew Allar. But things stalled there. A broken play on second-and-9 led to a third-and-long, and Allar's short pass to tight end Tyler Warren fell well short of the first-down line. Kicker Ryan Barker, who has been Penn State's biggest offensive weapon, was able to hit a 44-yard field goal to help his team come away with some points. 

Field goals aren't going to do it, though. Penn State's defense has done a good job keeping this game close. Ohio State breaking through would be devastating for a team that's struggled to move the ball consistently. 

Ohio State expands lead 

Early 3Q: No. 4 Ohio State 17, No. 3 Penn State 10

Ohio State opened the second half with the ball and took exactly two plays to get past midfield. A 16-yard rush from running back TreVeyon Henderson put the ball just outside the red zone, but things stalled there. On third-and-6, Penn State linebacker Kobe King ripped into the backfield and corralled Will Howard for a sack, setting up a long field goal for the Buckeyes -- who looked like they were angling towards what would have been a massive touchdown to open the second half. 

Instead, kicker Jay Fielding nailed a 46-yard field goal to expand his team's lead to a touchdown. Another huge stop for Penn State's defense, in spite of the points. 

Penn State's defense back in the spotlight 

Start 3Q: No. 4 Ohio State 14, No. 3 Penn State 10 

If it weren't for Penn State's defense, this game would be far out of control. The Nittany Lions have kept it close by forcing timely stops and turnovers, and they scored their only touchdown of the game via a pick-6 from defensive back Zion Tracy. Now they have to buckle down once again as Ohio State starts the second half with the ball. With how Penn State has played offensively, an Ohio State touchdown to start the third quarter could put this game out of reach. 

Penn State bungles prime opportunity

Half: No. 4 Ohio State 14, No. 3 Penn State 10

From poor clock management to some questionable play calls, Penn State just delivered a masterclass in how not to close the second half. The Nittany Lions took over on Ohio State's 49-yard line with 1:51 left on the clock and all three timeouts. They wasted over a minute to get to fourth-and-1 and another 20 seconds standing around. 

Finally, after an Ohio State timeout, they decided to go for it. A couple of plays later, Penn State got the ball to Ohio State's 3-yard line thanks to an excellent connection between quarterback Drew Allar and wide receiver Trey Wallace. 

And then Allar threw an interception with 11 seconds left. Credit Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun for making an excellent play on the ball as he snagged it out of Wallace's hands and got one foot in bounds in the corner of the end zone. 

With that, the Buckeyes preserved a narrow halftime lead. Penn State's defense showed up to play, but it seems as if the Nittany Lions left their offense on the bus. After their game-opening drive that ended in a field goal, Penn State's subsequent drives ended in: a punt, a punt, a punt and an interception. Penn State only had one drive in the second quarter end in Ohio State territory, and that same drive started in Ohio State territory. 

Penn State's pass rush finally makes its presence known

Penn State did not capitalize off of Will Howard's fumble. That being said, the Nittany Lions' defense is still flexing its muscles. A huge storyline entering this game was how Ohio State's shorthanded offensive line would handle Penn State's pass rush. So far, the Buckeyes have been pretty dominant both keeping the pocket clean and opening running lanes. That was, until Ohio State's latest drive. On third-and-7, Will Howard dropped back to pass and came under immediate pressure. Penn State's Abdul Carter got to him first and got him to the ground for a huge sack. Penn State's defense continues answering the bell. 

Penn State's defense comes up huge 

Mid 2Q: No. 4 Ohio State 14, No. 3 Penn State 10 

Ohio State was on the precipice of blowing this game wide open. Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard kept the ball on a designed run, got around the edge thanks to some great blocking and raced 13 yards towards the end zone for what was initially called a touchdown. However, Penn State defensive back Zakee Wheatley made a phenomenal play to punch the ball out of Howard's possession. 

The entire sequence went to replay review and officials determined that, not only did Howard fumble the ball before crossing the goal line, but the football crossed over the top of the pylon. That resulted in a touchback and possession for Penn State. That's a huge swing play, but now the Nittany Lions' offense -- which has stalled over the last couple of possessions -- to take full advantage. 

Another big momentum play for Ohio State 

Ohio State, after taking a timeout, elected to go for it on fourth-and-1 from its own 47-yard line. It was a huge gamble, given that it's early in the second quarter and the Buckeyes hold a 14-10 lead, but it worked out -- barely. Quarterback Will Howard came under immediate pressure and almost fell to a sack. He was able to stay upright and deliver a strike to tight end Jelani Thurman, who bobbled the ball before hanging on through contact and finishing the conversion. 

Ohio State rides questionable call to TD 

Early 2Q: No. 4 Ohio State 14, No. 3 Penn State 10 

It looked as if Penn State stopped Ohio State on its first drive to open the second quarter, as wide receiver Carnell Tate slipped well short of the first down on third-and-11. But Penn State defensive back Elliott Washington II stepped over Tate as he was getting off the ground and stared at Tate in the process, drawing a controversial unsportsmanlike penalty call in the process. 

The Buckeyes took full advantage of the break. They converted on a third-and-5 with a 20-yard pass to running back TreVeyon Henderson. A couple plays later, quarterback Will Howard hit wide receiver Brandon Inniss on a crossing route, allowing Inniss to get the edge and race into the end zone. Ohio State now has its first lead of the game, and all the pressure is back on Penn State. 

Penn State up after one 

End 1Q: No. 3 Penn State 10, No. 4 Ohio State 7

Penn State holds a narrow lead over Ohio State after 15 minutes of play in Saturday's crucial Big Ten clash. The Nittany Lions grabbed a ton of momentum early by capping an 8-minute drive with a 29-yard field goal and then following that up with a 30-yard pick-6 from defensive back Zion Tracy a couple of plays later. But the Buckeyes responded well with a 7-play, 74-yard touchdown drive of their own to keep things from spiraling out of control early. 

Of note, Ohio State's offensive line has looked very effective thus far. The shorthanded Buckeyes have done a good job of keeping a clean pocket for quarterback Will Howard and opening lanes for the running backs. Quinshon Judkins was particularly effective running the ball in the first quarter, as he had four carries for 38 yards -- a majority of which came on Ohio State's touchdown drive. 

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, who's nursing a knee injury, also looked fine. He was actually a bit more effective running the ball, as he navigated the pocket well and kept the chains moving with his legs on a couple of different plays. 

Ohio State strikes right back 

Late 1Q: No. 3 Penn State 10, No. 4 Ohio State 7

Boy, did Ohio State need that. This game was on the precipice of spiraling out of control early for the Buckeyes following Penn State's 30-yard pick six, but Ohio State just had an emphatic answer to ensure that things didn't get too far out of hand. The Buckeyes marched to Penn State's 25-yard line thanks to some strong running from Quinshon Judkins. There, quarterback Will Howard faked a screen to TreVeyon Henderson and launched a deep pass to Emeka Egbuka, who was running wide open behind Penn State's defense. 

Egbuka waltzed into the end zone and Ohio State nailed the extra point to make it a one-possession game once more. Howard bounced back well from his interception, completing three passes for 34 yards and the score. The whole sequence took just 3:32. 

Penn State's defense comes up big 

Late 1Q: No. 3 Penn State 10, No. 4 Ohio State 0 

If Penn State's offense can't score touchdowns, looks like the defense is more than up to the task. On third-and-5 from Ohio State's 30-yard line, Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard dropped back to pass. He tried to get a quick hitch route to wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, but Penn State defensive back Zion Tracy read the play perfectly, jumped in front of the throw and took the interception all the way for a touchdown. Ohio State's back is already against the wall and we're not even out of the first quarter yet. 

Penn State strikes first

Mid 1Q: No. 3 Penn State 3, No. 4 Ohio State 0 

Penn State had a promising drive going, and certainly would have liked to see it end in a touchdown, but it stalled at Ohio State's 12 yard line -- with the rhythm thrown off due to an ineligible man downfield penalty -- and Penn State had to settle for a 29-yard field goal. The whole procession did take over eight minutes off the clock. Keeping the ball out of Ohio State's hands certainly isn't a bad idea. 

Plus, Drew Allar's knee looks fine. The Penn State quarterback completed three passes for 30 yards and also rushed for 20 yards, escaping one sack in the process, to keep the chains moving for his team. 

Penn State set to get things started 

Ohio State won the toss and deferred to the second half, which means that Penn State's offense will start with the ball. All eyes will be on Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar, who injured his knee and missed the entire second half of his team's Week 9 win against Wisconsin. He will suit up and play against the Buckeyes, but there's no telling if he'll be 100%. Penn State can turn to Beau Pribula, who will likely see playing time regardless of Allar's status. 

Ohio State vs. Penn State prediction 

There's a lot of offensive uncertainty surrounding this game, with Allar's status up in the air and Ohio State trying to figure some things out on the fly along the offensive line. Even if Allar's able to go, there's no telling if he'll be 100%. This has all the makings of an defensive slugfest. Ohio State and Penn State both rank top three in the Big Ten in total defense and scoring defense. Each has only allowed conference opponents to score above 20 points once this season which, unless the game skews totally towards one side, would be required to hit the over. It's a small betting line, but it doesn't feel like there will be a ton of points scored. Pick: Under 46.5 (-110)

Huge test for Ohio State's offensive line 

Ohio State lost starting left tackle Josh Simmons for the year in its loss to Oregon. Then, in a Week 9 win against Nebraska, Zen Michalski -- Simmons' replacement -- was carted to the locker room with an apparent lower-body injury of his own. The Buckeyes' offensive line, particularly at the tackle spot, was thin even before Simmons' injury. Now it's entering the danger zone. Against the Huskers, Ohio State had a season-low in points (21), yards rushing (64) and total yards (285). Behind the ersatz offensive line, Ohio State's running backs averaged a paltry 2.1 yards per carry. 

Now the Buckeyes have to go against a Penn State defensive front that allows just 93 yards on the ground per game, good for third in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions also rank sixth in the Big Ten with 46 tackles for loss.

Penn State's hot offensive start faces big test 

Seven games into the biggest job of his life, Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki is anything but hidden. He is the brains behind a Penn State offense that too often has underachieved in the James Franklin era. As the Nittany Lions' new offensive coordinator, Kotelnicki has shored up several areas heading into Saturday's Week 10 top-five showdown with Ohio State.   

On a bigger stage, another next step is waiting to be taken against the Buckeyes, who own 11 of the last 12 in the series. This Penn State offense isn't going to shy away.

'The Kotelnicki Effect' has worked for Penn State so far, but offensive guru can prove worth vs. Ohio State

Dennis Dodd

Major College Football Playoff implications 

It doesn't get much bigger than this. The fourth top-five matchup of 2024 features two teams that don't tend to perform very well in such momentous occasions. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day is 2-6 against top-five opponents in his career, while Penn State coach James Franklin is 0-6 against Ohio State and Michigan combined since 2021. The Nittany Lions avoid the Wolverines this year and get the Buckeyes at home as the higher-ranked team. This is the opportunity for Penn State to prove that it's a legitimate national championship contender as the schedule really clears up from here. 

College Football Playoff race: Alabama-LSU, Texas-Texas A&M among November games that will impact title chase

Will Backus

Drew Allar good to go

As noted in the Lions247 game thread (get over there, Penn State fans), quarterback Drew Allar is not listed on the Penn State availability report, meaning he's good to go. Allar did not play in the second half of last week's game vs. Wisconsin.

You wonder if offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, who's developed a reputation as a wizard, has a package of large of plays with mobile backup QB Beau Pribula nonetheless. 

All eyes on Allar 

Penn State coach James Franklin said Monday that quarterback Drew Allar will be a game-time decision against the Buckeyes. Allar exited late in the first half of Penn State's Week 9 win against Wisconsin with an apparent knee injury. He tried to warm up before the start of the third quarter but was unable to return. His absence would, obviously, be a huge loss for the Nittany Lions. Allar has started 20 straight games, as Penn State is the only Big Ten school with one starting quarterback over the past two seasons. He also leads the Big Ten in passing yards (4,271) and touchdowns (37) since the 2023 season began. 

If Allar can't go, Penn State would turn to experienced backup Beau Pribula. Pribula stepped in against the Badgers and secured the 28-13 victory while throwing for 98 yards and one touchdown on 11 completions and rushing for another 28 yards. Even with Allar healthy, Pribula often sees the field thanks to his athleticism and the threat he presents as a legitimate rushing option. 

Drew Allar injury update: Penn State star QB likely to be game-time decision for marquee clash vs. Ohio State

Shehan Jeyarajah

Need to Know: No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Penn State

No. 4 Ohio State travels to No. 3 Penn State Saturday afternoon in a clash that has major implications for both the Big Ten race and the 12-team College Football Playoff. It's another marquee game in a season filled with them; this is the fourth matchup between top-five teams this season, the most in a single year. By comparison, 2023 had just one regular-season top-five matchup. 

Betting odds, as well as recent history, are certainly on Ohio State's side. The Buckeyes have won seven straight against the Nittany Lions, the longest winning streak for either team since they started playing annually in 1993. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day is 5-0 against Penn State. All five wins were by at least eight points. 

Here's everything you need to know about the game, including our staff picks. We've got several writers picking the Nittany Lions straight up. 

Ohio State vs. Penn State live stream, where to watch, TV channel, odds, spread, prediction, pick

Will Backus