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

3. Bend don’t break defense nearly won it

Penn State’s defense gave their offense a chance to win it. Ultimately they came up short but they played well in the loss.

On Ohio State’s first possession, safety Ji’Ayir Brown forced and recovered a fumble which set up the Nittany Lions nicely inside Buckeye territory. Unfortunately, the offense gave it right back on the next play. Again the defense went to work and forced a punt after five plays.

Ohio State freshman running back TreVeyon Henderson has been gashing opponents this year but the Nittany Lions held him in check for the most part. He finished with 152 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown. His average was 5.4 yards per carry but he had one play for 68 yards. Remove the explosive play and his average was 3.1 yards. The Nittany Lions made the Buckeyes earn every yard on the ground, a week after giving up 357 to Illinois.

Penn State gave up some chunk plays but once inside the red zone they were stellar. Of the Buckeyes’ six attempts inside the Lions’ 20-yard line, they scored one touchdown, four field goals, and turned over the ball on downs. Holding the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense to two touchdowns total is a win.

The stellar play of the Nittany Lion defense gave them a chance in this game. The offense also played well and had their shot to take the lead but it just was not meant to be. Brent Pry’s defense made a point after the Illinois debacle to fight back and they certainly did in this game.