Five of Ohio State football’s most memorable games vs. Penn State
The Ohio State Buckeyes will face the Penn State Nittany Lions for the 37th time in program history on Saturday at noon ET. Against its conference opponent, Ohio State is 22-14.
The largest margin of victory for the Buckeyes came in 2013 when Ohio State put the hammer down, 63-14, with Urban Meyer as head coach. The largest margin of victory for Penn State came in 1994 when the Nittany Lions won, 63-14.
The first meeting between the two programs was in 1912 when the Buckeyes lost to Penn State, 37-0. The longest win streak by Ohio State against the Nittany Lions is five. The active streak dates to 2017.
But what are some of the most memorable meetings between the two? Here are five of them as we take you down memory lane.
2017: Ohio State victory, 39-38
Adam Cairns/Dispatch
On Oct. 28, 2017, the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 2 Penn State Nittany Lions, 39-38. Ohio State was losing by 11 points with five minutes to go. J.T. Barrett tossed the dagger to Marcus Baugh, a 16-yard touchdown pass, to take the lead.
Penn State has lost to Ohio State 9 out of the last 10 times.
Saquon Barkley laid it all on the line in their 2017 39-38 loss. pic.twitter.com/9YTFLFjdrd
— Saturday Gameday (@SaturdayGameday) October 26, 2022
2012: Ohio State victory, 35-23
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
On Oct. 27, 2012, the No. 9 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions, 35-23. Braxton Miller was an absolute star during this outing accounting for three touchdowns. Miller ran for 134 yards, and Ryan Shazier was responsible for an interception return for a touchdown.
Watching 2012 Ohio State Penn State. Top 3 best game I've been to. Beaver Stadium by far the loudest stadium in big ten.
— Tom Ford (@buckeyebobcat10) August 2, 2013
2007: Ohio State victory: 37-17
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
On Oct. 27, 2007, the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 24 Penn State Nittany Lions, 37-17. Todd Boeckman was on a mission this day tossing the ball for 253 yards and three touchdowns while Chris Wells added 133 rushing yards.
2002: Ohio State victory: 13-7
Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images
On Oct. 26, 2002, the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 13 Penn State Nittany Lions, 13-7. This game marked the first starting two-way player in 39 years for Ohio State as Chris Gamble started at both receiver and corner.
Listening to 2002 Ohio State-Penn State and can't help but think how people would lose their mind watching a game like this today. 7-3 halftime score, all defense, huddles, turnovers, 2 back sets… Twitter would be like "Tressel needs fired! Krenzel sucks! Play Ross!" 🤣🤣
— Jason (@ScriptOhio) July 23, 2022
1997: Penn State victory, 31-27
Jamie Squire /Allsport
On Oct. 11, 1997, the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes, 31-27. Curtis Enis was the star of the day. He scored the go-ahead touchdown with a little over 10 minutes remaining. He finished the day with 211 yards on 23 carries.
10-11-1997, #2 Penn State beat #7 Ohio State 31-27. No runner had run for 100 yards on the Buckeyes in 17 games. Curtis Enis had over 100 yards in the 4th quarter alone & the GW score. He finished with 211 yards rushing. Joe Germaine came off bench to throw for 378 yards. pic.twitter.com/IXF636lhmU
— Scott F (@TheFrizz87) October 11, 2021
