Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg threw two interceptions in this game, one of which led to an Ohio State touchdown. They had a couple of fumbles and one was recovered by the Buckeyes. These three turnovers gave them even more of a disadvantage against the Buckeyes. The noise of the crowd and the pressure from the Ohio State defense caused the turnovers. Ohio State defensive end Noah Spence would not leave Hackenberg alone.
The Penn State defense is slow and has trouble covering a spread offense. Ohio State knew this and seemed to concentrate most of their offensive plays to the outside. I think the Penn State defense would’ve had trouble stopping the Ohio State offense no matter what because the Buckeyes are just too quick for them.
The Ohio State defense more than made up for their disappointing performance against Iowa last week and proved how good they really are. There was question whether or not they had any type of pass rush, but defensive end Noah Spence helped prove that they do. As I mentioned before, he would not leave Hackenberg alone and was in the backfield pressuring him on almost every play. The Penn State offensive line had trouble blocking him, which resulted in two sacks, a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble. The continued pressure on Hackenberg caused him to throw two interceptions, and the Ohio State defense only allowed Penn State 14 points and a total of 357 yards.
As usual, running back Carlos Hyde was the workhorse of the Ohio State running game as he ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Fellow running backs Jordan Hall and Dontre Wilson got some playing time too, but the previously injured Hall ran for 81 yards of his own. Quarterback Braxton Miller is always a part of this running game as well. There is a great advantage to having a mobile quarterback as he contributed 68 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Miller’s passing game is getting better and better. He was 18-for-24 passing with a career-high 252 yards and three touchdowns. What’s even more impressive is that he achieved these stats in less than three quarters. Ohio State was so far ahead that head coach Urban Meyer put in his second string in the third quarter, which included backup quarterback Kenny Guiton who came in and rushed for two touchdowns.
Receivers Devin Smith and Corey “Philly” Brown made contributions of their own. Smith had five receptions for 90 yards and Brown had four receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown.
The Ohio State offense had 686 total yards, which included 408 yards rushing.
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