Penn State Football: 3 post-game overreactions vs Ohio State

Penn State football played tough in a loss to Ohio State in Columbus Saturday night. The Nittany Lions had their chances to win but ultimately fell 33-24, their third straight loss.

Penn State took the early lead about midway through the first quarter after a very nice 13-play, 89-yard drive that ended on a Sean Clifford touchdown pass to tight end Brenton Strange.

The Nittany Lions would hold onto a 7-3 lead until deep into the second quarter when the Buckeyes would score in quick succession on a 38-yard touchdown pass to Chris Olave followed by a scoop and score touchdown after forcing a fumble on the Nittany Lions’ next possession. Penn State would tack on a field goal to go down seven at the halftime break.

Clifford and the Nittany Lion offense would go right to work out of the break putting together a 12 play 75-yard drive capped by a two-yard run by Jahan Dotson to tie the game at 17. Ohio State would then score the next 10 points.

Not to be deterred down 10, Penn State would again put together a long drive ending in a touchdown and would only go down a field goal heading into the game’s final frame. It was as close as they would get the rest of the way, despite having chances to take the lead.

There are no moral victories, but Penn State football looked so much better than the stinker they put up against Illinois a week ago. They did not just roll over as many predicted and gave Ohio State the biggest fight it has had in weeks.

Despite the loss, James Franklin and his team have some things to build off of as they head into November. Here are three reactions to the game.