Three Key Stats: Ohio State Churns Out 176 Rushing Yards, Penn State Goes 1-for-3 In The Red Zone and the Buckeyes Excel On Third Down

By Jack Emerson on November 2, 2024 at 5:42 pm
TreVeyon Henderson
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Make that eight in a row.

With a thrilling 20-13 victory at Beaver Stadium, Ohio State captured its eighth-consecutive victory against Penn State and claimed a top-five win in the process — the program’s first since 2022 against Notre Dame. 

As the No. 4 Buckeyes got back on track against the No. 3 Nittany Lions in Happy Valley, Ohio State largely relied on its makeshift offensive line and defense to take down James Franklin’s squad. 

We dig into three key stats from Ohio State’s first ranked win this season.

OHIO STATE RUSHES FOR 176 RUSHING YARDS

After Ohio State was held to just 64 rushing yards on 31 total carries against Nebraska last week, in addition to several injuries along the offensive line, the Buckeyes’ rushing attack was under the microscope heading into their matchup with Penn State. 

With Donovan Jackson shifting out to left tackle and Carson Hinzman entering the starting lineup at left guard, the Ohio State offensive line found plenty of success against the vaunted Penn State defensive front. The Buckeyes totaled 176 rushing yards, led by running back Quinshon Judkins — who racked up 95 yards on 14 carries — while TreVeyon Henderson added 54 yards of his own.

Ohio State closed the game in emphatic fashion through its running game as well, utilizing an 11-play, 58-yard drive — consisting only of running plays — to run out the final 5:13 of regulation and secure the victory. 

PENN STATE GOES 1-FOR-3 IN THE RED ZONE

The Ohio State defense bent on several occasions, but never broke. 

The Penn State offense only accounted for six of the Nittany Lions’ 13 points — with Penn State scoring its lone touchdown off of a pick-six in the first quarter — despite three trips to the red zone. 

On their final drive of the first half, the Nittany Lions moved the ball to Ohio State’s three-yard line and threatened to take a lead into the half. But, Buckeye cornerback Davison Igbinosun had other plans as he snagged an incredible interception to hold the Nittany Lions scoreless on the drive.

The Nittany Lions also failed a potential game-tying red zone opportunity on their final offensive possession of the game. Facing a first-and-goal from the Ohio State three-yard line, Penn State running back Kaytron Allen was stonewalled on three straight runs before Drew Allar threw an incompletion on fourth down, sealing the Nittany Lions’ fate. 

OHIO STATE GOES 6-12 AND HOLDS PENN STATE TO 3-11 ON THIRD DOWNS

Against Nebraska last week, Ohio State could only muster one third down conversion in 10 tries. 

This week, the Buckeyes registered a much better mark, going 6-of-12 against the Nittany Lions — including a pair of third-down conversions on the previously mentioned 11-play, 58-yard drive to ice the game. Ohio State also converted their lone fourth-down attempt during Saturday’s contest. 

On the flip side, the Ohio State defense was similarly dominant on third downs. Penn State was held to just 3-of-11 on the key down and endured a stretch of seven consecutive failed attempts after converting on their first two third downs of the game. The Nittany Lions did not convert a single third-down attempt in the second and third quarters.

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