Penn State Football: Top 3 White Out games of all-time

1. 2005 vs. Ohio State

Many Penn State fans will point to the 2016 Ohio State game as the best White Out, but it could be looked at as recency effect. In this humble writer’s opinion, the 2005 version still holds as the best White Out game.

Penn State was in a downturn in the early 2000’s. From 2000 through 2004, the Lions had one winning season and their combined record in those five years was 26-33. The 2003 and 2004 seasons were especially bad with 3-9 and 4-7 records, respectively. Many close to and outside of the program were questioning if Joe Paterno could coach anymore and questioning whether he should retire.

The 2005 team would return 18 starters, nine starters on defense that did not allow more than 21 points per game the previous season. The sleeping dragon that was Penn State football was about to be showcased during a prime-time White Out against Ohio State.

Penn State entered the game at 5-0 and Ohio State was 3-1 with a loss against second-ranked Texas. The Nittany Lions were big underdogs, but controlled the game from the start especially on defense. Ohio State did take a 3-0 lead into the second quarter. However early in the second quarter, freshman sensation wideout Derrick Williams scored the game’s first touchdown.

On Ohio State’s ensuing possession, Buckeye quarterback Troy Smith threw an interception to safety Chris Lowry who returned it to the Buckeye two-yard line. This nearly brought down all of Beaver Stadium. The noise level was deafening and the stadium literally shaking. Penn State would score three plays later on a Michael Robinson run.

Ohio State would make it 14-10 at halftime. In the second half, Penn State kicked a field goal early in the third quarter to go up by seven. After that, it was a defensive battle to the end. Late in the game with Ohio State driving to midfield, defensive end Tamba Hali made the play of the game, sacking Smith and causing him to fumble with the Lions recovering. The play sent Beaver Stadium into a wild frenzy.

Penn State would finish 11-1 with a Big Ten championship and an Orange Bowl victory over Florida State. The 2005 team signaled Penn State’s comeback to national prominence and it all started with the White Out.