### Ohio State Dominates Penn State in Big Ten Showdown On November 1, 2025, the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes showcased their dominance in college football by defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions with a score of 38-14. Quarterback Julian Sayin led the charge, throwing for 316 yards and four touchdowns, marking a significant performance that solidified Ohio State's position as a powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference. The Buckeyes, now 8-0 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten, took control of the game in the second half after leading 17-14 at halftime. This victory extended Penn State's losing streak to five games, further complicating their season under interim coach Terry Smith, who took over after the firing of James Franklin on October 12, 2025. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - Ohio State led 17-14 at halftime and outscored Penn State 21-0 in the second half. - Julian Sayin's performance included 20 completions on 23 attempts, achieving a completion rate of approximately 87% [https://apnews.com/article/penn-state-ohio-state-score-85b8fb99ecf06893f8eab9cdf30b054c]. 2. **Key Players** - **Julian Sayin**: 316 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and only 1 interception. - **Jeremiah Smith**: Scored two touchdowns, including a spectacular one-handed catch in the fourth quarter [https://thescore.com/ncaaf/news/3384341/sayin-throws-4-tds-to-lead-ohio-state-past-penn-state]. - **Carnell Tate**: Contributed significantly with 5 receptions for 124 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown catch [https://thescore.com/ncaaf/news/3384341/sayin-throws-4-tds-to-lead-ohio-state-past-penn-state]. 3. **Penn State's Struggles** - The Nittany Lions managed to score two rushing touchdowns but struggled to maintain momentum, particularly in the second half. - This loss marks their fifth consecutive defeat, with a record of 3-5 overall and 0-5 in the Big Ten [https://apnews.com/article/penn-state-ohio-state-score-85b8fb99ecf06893f8eab9cdf30b054c]. 4. **Next Steps for Both Teams** - Ohio State will face Purdue next week, looking to maintain their undefeated streak. - Penn State will host No. 2 Indiana, hoping to turn their season around [https://thescore.com/ncaaf/news/3384341/sayin-throws-4-tds-to-lead-ohio-state-past-penn-state]. ### Summary of Findings **Ohio State's Victory**: The Buckeyes demonstrated their offensive prowess and defensive resilience, particularly in the second half, leading to a decisive 38-14 victory over Penn State. 1. **Dominant Performance**: Sayin's exceptional passing and Smith's receiving skills were pivotal in the win. 2. **Penn State's Challenges**: The Nittany Lions continue to struggle, now facing a critical juncture in their season with an interim coach. 3. **Future Outlook**: Both teams have upcoming games that will be crucial for their respective seasons, with Ohio State aiming to remain undefeated and Penn State seeking to break their losing streak. In conclusion, Ohio State's performance not only solidified their top ranking but also highlighted the challenges facing Penn State as they navigate a difficult season under new leadership. The Buckeyes' ability to adapt and dominate in the second half was a key factor in their success [https://apnews.com/article/penn-state-ohio-state-score-85b8fb99ecf06893f8eab9cdf30b054c].