Buckeye Rosters

Recap

State College, PA — No. 2 Ohio State erupted for 28 fourth-quarter points behind a dominant defensive performance and a clutch showing from quarterback C.J. Stroud to defeat No. 13 Penn State, 44-31, at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.

Defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau delivered a historic performance for the Buckeyes (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten), forcing two interceptions, recovering a fumble, and scoring a defensive touchdown. His efforts helped Ohio State overcome a resilient Penn State squad that led 21-16 early in the final quarter.

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford threw for 371 yards and three touchdowns but was undone by four interceptions—three of them in the second half—as the Nittany Lions (6-2, 3-2) faltered down the stretch.

Trailing 21-16 with under 10 minutes remaining, Ohio State seized control when running back TreVeyon Henderson broke loose for a 41-yard touchdown run to give the Buckeyes a 23-21 lead. On the next possession, Tuimoloau intercepted Clifford and returned it 14 yards for a touchdown, putting Ohio State ahead 30-21.

The Buckeyes’ offense then struck quickly again as Stroud connected with tight end Cade Stover on a 24-yard touchdown pass to cap a three-touchdown blitz in less than six minutes. Stroud, a Heisman Trophy contender, finished 26 of 33 for 354 yards and one touchdown.

Penn State briefly responded with a 44-yard field goal from Jake Pinegar and a late 5-yard touchdown pass from Clifford to Allen, cutting the deficit to 37-31 with under two minutes remaining. However, Ohio State’s defense sealed the game when Zach Harrison strip-sacked Clifford, leading to another Buckeye touchdown by Henderson.

Ohio State’s defense, led by Tuimoloau and Harrison, recorded five sacks and forced six total turnovers—four interceptions and two fumbles—disrupting Penn State’s offensive rhythm. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. led all receivers with 10 catches for 185 yards, consistently making key plays to keep Ohio State’s offense moving.

Penn State controlled much of the first half, taking a 14-10 lead into the break after Clifford found Parker Washington for a 58-yard touchdown and tight end Theo Johnson for a 23-yard score. Washington had a career day with 11 catches for 179 yards.

Ohio State remains undefeated and solidifies its position in the College Football Playoff race, while Penn State’s Big Ten title hopes take a significant hit with its second conference loss. The Buckeyes will return home next week to face Northwestern, while Penn State will look to bounce back on the road against Indiana.