Penn State flinches in fourth quarter, turnovers sink team: Instant analysis
Penn State football got close, but ultimately didn’t have enough to close the deal against Ohio State, losing 44-31 at Beaver Stadium. Get Blue White Illustrated’s instant analysis postgame from on the field after the game. Subscribe to Blue White Illustrated on YouTube so you don’t miss any of our gameday coverage.
Talent gap between Ohio State and Penn State shows up late
Reporter Greg Pickel hosts senior Editor Nate Bauer and Blue White Illustrated publisher Sean Fitz as they discuss the game’s dramatic twists and turns.
Fitz starts by addressing the clear difference between the two teams; Ohio State is more talented than the Nittnay Lions. He discusses how Penn State out-played the Buckeyes for most of the game but couldn’t survive the late-game onslaught from Ohio State.
One thing comes up more than the rest of the events in the game; turnovers. The trio discussed what head coach James Franklin focused on postgame in his assessment of the game.
“First half, we were able to overcome the turnovers and stay in the game and battle. But you can’t turn the ball over that many times against that type of opponent,” Franklin said.
Pickel put a finer point on that statement, observing that Ohio State got 21 points off of Penn State turnovers, one of which was a pick-six by defensive end JT Tuimoloau. Next, Bauer has the unenviable task of putting Sean Clifford’s performance into context after the game.
Next, Fitz highlights the Penn State players that performed well, including cornerback Kalen King and wide receiver Parker Washington, who finished the game with 11 catches for 179 yards in the loss.
Bauer also addressed the final nine minutes of the game interestingly. Was this game a route by Ohio State? Bauer gives his thoughts. Lastly, he gives his thoughts on the talent disparity showing up between Penn State and Ohio State on the field.
