The Ohio State Buckeyes bend, but they do *not* break.
The Buckeyes started down a quick 10-0, but they were able to battle back, allowing just three points in the last 45 minutes.
The Penn State lone touchdown was an interception returned for a touchdown as well, so in theory, the defense is really only responsible for six points.
The narrative around this team is changing as this Buckeyes team has proven that it belongs in the conversation for the best team in the country. One could easily argue their defense is the best in the country.
Entering today, Ohio State had allowed 14 opponent red zone trips, and ONLY 6 total red zone TD.
Both were the FEWEST in FBS.
Today, Penn State has reached the red zone 3 times.
OSU has allowed just 3 points.
The Buckeyes do NOT break. pic.twitter.com/ZR01q5Swkq
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) November 2, 2024
Penn State didn’t have a single rusher go for north of 50 yards, and in 21 passing attempts, the Nittany Lions quarterbacks totaled just 150 passing yards. Only four receivers had a catch.
The secondary was electric, and the defensive line was potentially even better. The Buckeyes have allowed 17 or fewer points in four of five Big Ten games.
This team knows how to defend at a high level, and going against competent offenses in the College Football Playoff later in the season, that side of the ball will be tested.
As they showed today, they may bend, but they don’t break.