In a commanding performance, the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes secured a 38-14 victory over Penn State on November 1, 2023. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 316 yards and four touchdowns, leading his team to an impressive second-half turnaround after holding a narrow 17-14 lead at halftime.
The Buckeyes, now boasting an 8-0 record and remaining undefeated in the Big Ten at 5-0, showcased their offensive prowess by scoring on three of their first four possessions in the second half. The defeat marked the fifth consecutive loss for Penn State, which now stands at 3-5 overall and 0-5 in the Big Ten under interim coach Terry Smith, who stepped in following the dismissal of James Franklin on October 12.
Sayin’s Historic Performance
Sayin completed 20 of 23 passes, achieving a remarkable completion rate of 87 percent. This performance placed him alongside Geno Smith as one of only two players in Football Bowl Subdivision history to record three games in a season with at least 300 passing yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, and a completion rate above 85%, a feat previously accomplished by Smith in 2012.
During the game, Sayin connected on three passes of over 40 yards, including a significant 45-yard touchdown pass to Carnell Tate in the second quarter. Tate finished with five receptions for 124 yards. Jeremiah Smith also made a notable impact, recording six catches for 123 yards. He scored the opening touchdown for Ohio State with a 14-yard reception in the first quarter and capped off the scoring with an impressive one-handed grab for an 11-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Second Half Surge
Ohio State’s dominance became evident on their first drive of the second half. A 57-yard reception from Tate set up a 1-yard touchdown run by CJ Donaldson, extending the Buckeyes’ lead to 24-14. Subsequently, a 1-yard touchdown reception by tight end Christian Bennett further solidified the Buckeyes’ advantage, making it 31-14.
Despite a strong start, Penn State struggled to maintain momentum. The Nittany Lions managed to score their first touchdown against Ohio State in the first half, with Nicholas Singleton rushing for a 2-yard touchdown after an extensive 15-play, 75-yard drive. They later pulled within three points after Kaytron Allen dived in for a 1-yard score, benefiting from a short field after recovering a fumble by Donaldson.
The contest also featured some lighthearted moments, particularly during the fourth quarter when Ohio State’s scoreboard crew playfully displayed images of Penn State’s defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, a former Buckeyes coach. This generated a mixed reaction from the crowd, contrasting with the cheers that followed a shot of current Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
As the Buckeyes prepare for their next challenge, they will aim to maintain their unbeaten streak. Penn State faces a crucial matchup against No. 2 Indiana on November 8, while Ohio State travels to Purdue on the same day.
The outcome of this game reinforces Ohio State’s position as a national contender, while Penn State will look to regroup and find its footing under interim leadership.
