MY THOUGHTS.....Penn State

 

The highlight of the 2023 Ohio State home football schedule promised to provide its moneys’ worth.  Two undefeated top-ten teams in their toughest games thus far.  In a game where I thought the matchups didn’t bode very favorably for the Buckeyes, Marvin Harrison Jr. and the defense had their best games of the year as Ohio State topped Penn State 20-12 in a game that really wasn’t as close as the score indicated.

                I figured the run game would be in for some difficulties verses Penn State’s top-ranked run defense, so I wasn’t surprised, especially given Ohio State’s struggles in that department, they averaged a miserable 1.93 yards per carry, but it was still a disappointment.  Their longest run from scrimmage was a 12-yarder by Miyan Williams, who led Ohio State’s runners with 62 yards and the first touchdown.  But it was good to see him and Chip Trayanum back full strength after their injuries.  Quarterback Kyle McCord was bailed out of his one turnover by a defensive holding call against Penn State, that prompted a 14-point swing.  Aside from that, McCord took care of the ball and just got it to Marvin Harrison Jr., who sliced and diced his way through the Penn State defense for 11 receptions for 162 yards and the clinching touchdown.  Almost lost in the wake of Harrison’s performance was Cade Stover’s four catches, one of which set up Miyan Williams’ touchdown run in the second quarter.  Freshman Carnell Tate had the best day of his young career with three catches for 21 yards.

                Ohio State’s defense was lights-out the entire game, limiting Penn State to a mere one of sixteen third down conversions and holding them out of the end zone until the last minute of the game.  I found it curious Penn State coach James Franklin elected for a two-point conversion attempt when an extra point kick would’ve put them within seven and just needing a TD and simple conversion for overtime.  Penn State was held to under 50 yards on the ground and while quarterback Drew Allar didn’t turn the ball over, Allar  found himself pressured into making some off-target throws, completing a mere 18 of his 42 throws.  Tommy Eichenberg led the way with eight tackles and Steele Chambers pitched in with six.  Jordan Hancock had his best day in the secondary with five tackles and a tackle for loss and Jermaine Matthews Jr also stepped up with three tackles and broke up a pass in the end zone, saving a touchdown.

Ohio State will hope to keep it going next week with a visit to Wisconsin, which has always been a tough place to play.