Ohio State's blocked punt against Penn State on Saturday was the first time the Buckeyes had blocked a punt since 2014 against Kent State.
While Ohio State didn't need to block a punt to beat the Golden Flashes three years ago, there is a good chance the Buckeyes would not have defeated the Nittany Lions on Saturday had it not been for Denzel Ward coming hot off the edge to block the Penn State kick.
From that point in the game, Ohio State outscored the Nittany Lions 19-3, and took firm control of the Big Ten East division. How much did that punt block sway the tide in the premier showdown? Just look at the total yardage numbers.
Each team possessed the ball three more times following the blocked punt, and Ohio State out-gained Penn State 175-55 in those three possessions in which quarterback J.T. Barrett didn't miss a single pass.
Penn State's first possession following the block resulted in a 10-play, 64 yard drive which was capped by a Tyler Davis field goal. However, the Nittany Lion's last two possessions totaled the visitors -9 yards from scrimmage, with just one snap gaining yards in seven tries.
In addition, Ohio State played clean football for the majority of the fourth quarter. After committing 10 penalties for 79 yards in the first three quarters, the Buckeyes did not commit one penalty in the fourth, while the Nittany Lions committed three for 30 yards.
