Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Most Important College Football Game for Each Top 25 Team During 2016 Season

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) moves past Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (3) during the fourth quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Alabama won 48-43. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) moves past Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (3) during the fourth quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Alabama won 48-43. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
22 of 26
Next
Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Garrett Sickels (90) sacks Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Garrett Sickels (90) sacks Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Penn State Upsets Ohio State in 24-21 Comeback (Oct. 22)

Entering the 2016 season, there were few people who gave Penn State a chance at winning a stacked Big Ten East. The Nittany Lions were expected to reach a bowl game, but few anticipated that they would go on a hot streak that led them all the way to the conference title. At the midway point of the season, they were 4-2 and preparing for the biggest showdown of their season. The result of that game would flip the script in the Big Ten and pave the way for James Franklin’s crew to play for and win the conference crown.

Through three quarters it looked as though Ohio State was going to run away with the result in Beaver Stadium. Trace McSorley had completed just five of his 18 attempts through the first 45 minutes for 95 yards, as the Buckeyes held the Penn State quarterback completely in check. Up 21-7 entering the final quarter, what transpired next was nothing short of a miraculous turnaround of fortunes.

McSorley went 3-of-5 in the final quarter, throwing for 59 yards and adding a rushing touchdown as well. The Nittany Lions pulled within 21-17 on McSorley’s touchdown run and a 34-yard Tyler Davis field goal. With four and a half minutes left, Ohio State lined up for a field goal to restore a touchdown lead. Instead, the kick was blocked and Grant Healy returned the ball 60 yards for the winning points. The 24-21 comeback opened the door for Penn State to pip Ohio State and Michigan for the Big Ten East and facilitated their rise up the Top 25.

Home/College Football News