Ohio State wins

And Penn State makes it a game to remember.  It started ugly.  The kickoff led to a Penn State run right back for a touchdown.  Then OSU got the ball and promptly fumbled.  That set up for Penn State's second touchdown in as many minutes.  Before we made it five minutes into the game, we were down two touchdowns to nothing.  The only thing we did well was scoring a field goal before the end of the first quarter.  That made us the first team this year to score in the first quarter against Penn State.

It didn't get better.  Stupid penalties and questionable calls plagued us.  At least twice a crucial and controversial call stole victory from us, just as a comeback seemed possible.  Our special teams continued to stumble about, and the play calling seemed to be the same we had witnessed the last three seasons - doomed to fail.

Then came our return from halftime and - nothing.  It continued.  We scored, but Penn State scored again.  Against one of the best defenses in the country, and perhaps the best offensive duo in college football, it just didn't seem like it was in the cards.  Even if we had dominated every Podunk team we played this year, it seemed we were destined to lose to the big ones. 

The only thing I'll say is that, strangely enough, we never seemed to give up.  The players didn't appear to lose heart.  The fans even stayed in there, as if we were on the edge of victory rather than continually behind.  Through the third quarter, the only thing we could hold onto was the fact that we apparently had the will to hold on.

And then something happened.  I don't know what.  I think it was a botched punt by Penn State.  Somehow, that seemed to turn the momentum.  Our defense, as always, rose to the occasion and erected the legendary OSU Iron Curtain. Suddenly the best offensive in America was slowed to a crawl.  It was three and out and sacks galore. 

And Ohio State began pushing back.  There was no great rallying play, no big touchdown, no pick six at the last second.  Somehow, like so many games won by the Patriots, Ohio State turned it around.  J.T. Barrett, who has been questioned by everyone who watches football, came into his own. He has been three hits and two misses for almost his entire career.  Often our offensive strategy seemed built around keeping him from passing long down the field. 

Tonight, he came out and completed 13 passes in a row.  By the end, we were all over them.  It still looked long, and we were two scores behind with only minutes left in the game.  And yet, when the whistle blew and the clock ran out, we were one point ahead.  Don't ask me how.  But it was a nail biter to the end, and we did it. 

Penn State never gave up either.  They played and played again, but it's like something didn't work.  Even when they were well ahead, James Franklin seemed perplexed.  All we could figure was that he was stunned that our team, and the fans, never let go.  Until the end, everyone was invested in winning.  And win we did.