State College, PA – The Penn State Nittany Lions capped a 75-yard drive on Kaytron Allen’s one-yard run with 9:46 in the fourth quarter to take a 21-16 lead over the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes. After that, the Buckeyes roared back with the help of two turnovers. They outscored the Lions 28-10 to seal their eighth win, 44-31. In the final period, Buckeye DE JT Tuimoloau strip-sacked Sean Clifford to set up TJ Henderson’s second TD. Next, he picked off Sean Clifford’s pass thrown directly to him for a 14-yard TD return for the last Buckeye score.
Late Buckeye rally
OSU QB CJ Stroud completed 26 of 33 passes for 354 yards and one TD. PSU QB Clifford recorded 32 for 47 passing, 371 yards, and three TDs. However, the Buckeyes picked him off three times and knocked the ball loose from his grasp to convert into 21 points. Those made the difference in this game. Despite mistakes and inept execution by the Lion offense, they stayed toe-to-toe with the Buckeyes until 9:46 remained. WR Parker Washington’s play with 11 receptions for 179 yards and one TD impressed in this game. Allen ran hard and effectively for 76 yards and one TD on 12 carries for PSU.
The Nittany Lion defense shut down the Buckeyes running game most of the day holding OSU to only 50 yards. RB TreVeyon Henderson then bolted for a 41-yard TD in the final period. The deadliest weapon offensively for the Buckeyes came in WR Marvin Harrison, JR. Many of his ten receptions for 183 yards resulted in key first downs in third and long situations. The Buckeye strategy cleared the middle and opened him up on quick slants into the wide-open field throughout the contest.
Tuimoloau to the defense!
A strip of Clifford by Tuimoloau who also recovered it gave OSU possession at the PSU 24. With a 23-21 lead in Q4, Stroud completed the next pass to his TE Cade Stover who crossed the goal line to increase the Buckeye lead, 30-21. The Lions countered with a drive for Jake Pinegar’s 44-yard FG to keep within six of the second-ranked Buckeyes.
Starting from their 25, however, Ohio State struck again. A 42-yard pass to WR Emeka Egbuka put the visitors at the two. Following a five-yard procedure penalty for Ohio State, Henderson scored from the seven to put the Buckeyes up, 37-24. Clifford fired his next pass from scrimmage directly to Tuimoloau who raced 14 yards to extend the Buckeye lead, 44-24. The Lions drove one more time to score as Clifford connected with Allen for a five-yard TD with 1:12 left to lock in the final score at 44-31 in favor of the now tied No. 2 Buckeyes (7-0, 4-0). Tennessee who dominated Kentucky Saturday night jumped to No. 2 to tie OSU in the AP poll.
Seasoned veteran?
Earlier in the first period, Tuimoloau blocked a Clifford pass attempt. It landed in the hands of teammate DE Zach Harrison to stop a Penn State drive. It resulted in no points due to a missed field goal. Throughout this game, however, Clifford threw low passes easily batted down by the Ohio State defensive front. One of our Guest Game Analysts, Ty, mentioned that all season, Clifford has displayed no authority to put the right touch on his passes to his receivers. The knockdowns and INTs by Clifford proved that today. He has little touch to get his passes beyond arms of outstretched defenders. These turnovers greatly impacted Penn State offensive effectiveness against Ohio State.
Many Penn State fans question why HC James Franklin persists on playing Clifford while keeping five-star, frosh QB Drew Allar on the sideline. Many think, including us, it will help Allar’s future and nudge Clifford to play more effectively. Franklin, according to reports and online articles, feels Clifford’s experience makes him the best option for his now NO. 16 Lions, (6-2, 2-2) for this season’s success. With no chance now for the CFP, questions linger if he will possibly start to give Allar some more playing time. Since many Blue and White fans think Allar projects as the PSU QB of the future, reps will benefit him. Clifford’s future beyond PSU is questionable. Ty quipped; he’ll be heading for the CFL at best.
Not what we expected
Our pre-game analysis for Penn State raised concerns about HC James Franklin’s lack of game-day coaching capabilities. His plan seemed to be better than expected. However, most of the time along the sideline, he seems very un-involved with arms akimbo during play or standing outside of huddles when assistants meet with players during time-outs.
Today’s issues seemed more in regards to physical mistakes made by Clifford. However, you would hope that a player in his sixth year of college experience would be coached better to improve his passing skills by this time. Not that we think Clifford will be a prime QB as a pro prospect, we hope that he will consider Franklin’s commitment to him when it comes to bowl season. Would Clifford dare opt-out to preserve whatever chances he has beyond college play? Would Franklin have no option other than to finally start Allar? Bowl games are basically no longer interesting, competitive games among players that competed for the participating teams all season.
Week Ten coming up
The now No. 16 Nittany Lions head to Indiana (3-5, 1-4). No. 2 Ohio State (8-0, 5-0) hosts Northwestern (1-7, 1-4). Collegefootballfan.com will see 5-2 James Madison of Conference USA visit Louisville (5-3) of the ACC. JMU becomes our 131st FBS team seen in competition.
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