5 takeaways from Penn State football's 44-31 loss to Ohio State

Penn State took a 21-16 lead with 9 minutes, 26 seconds left in Saturday’s game against Ohio State. Then, things went sour.

Penn State was abruptly outscored 28-10 with a flurry of scores by tight end Cade Stover, two from running back TreVeyon Henderson and defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau. Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford is 2-6 against Michigan and Ohio State in his career.

Here are five takeaways from Penn State’s 44-31 loss to Ohio State:

Franklin sputters against another top-flight opponent

The Nittany Lions have fallen once again to another top team in the Big Ten. After getting battered on the road by Michigan, 41-17, on Oct. 15, the Nittany Lions allowed even more points in a 44-31 loss to Ohio State on Saturday. This calls head coach James Franklin’s record into question against Michigan and Ohio State during his tenure. He is 4-6 against Michigan and is 1-9 against Ohio State, with his only victory coming in October 2016.

Penn State had the game in its hands when, inexplicably, Clifford had two more turnovers and the defense lost all steam. It’s not becoming of an elite program because elite programs have elite head coaches. The display on Saturday made elite coaching look like it was a long-lost artifact of Penn State’s past and it just may be.

Tuimoloau has one of his best games

With Mike Hall Jr. going down for Penn State, Ohio State’s Tuimoloau brutalized Penn State’s offensive line. Tuimoloau made three tackles for loss, six tackles (six solo), a forced fumble, two sacks and two interceptions — one of which was returned for a 14-yard touchdown. The sophomore defensive lineman is set for the NFL in 2024, which brings attention to his teammate on the opposite side of the ball.

Harrison Jr. is the best receiver in college football

No matter who you’re rooting for, you can still be in awe of the son of the former Indianapolis Colts Hall of Fame wide receiver. Marvin Harrison Jr. had 10 catches, 185 receiving yards and no touchdowns, but the lack of scores weren’t on him. He played out of his mind — lining up against the likes of Kalen King and Joey Porter Jr. Harrison Jr. showed off his technical ability as a route runner, displaying strong hands and great body control to reel in the ball. He looked like a giant among men Saturday, and he definitely will be playing on Sundays beginning in 2024.

Clifford’s slow starts put team in tough spot

Penn State seemingly could’ve taken a huge step out in front of Ohio State with its defensive play. However, the offense started off at a snail’s pace, and it started with Clifford throwing back-to-back interceptions on his first two drives.

Penn State managed to get to its own 47-yard line before Clifford threw a third-and-9 interception to Zach Harrison with the ball being tipped at the line by Tuimoloau at the 7:52 mark in the first quarter. Clifford got the ball back after the Nittany Lions defense made a big stop on the 53-yard field goal miss by Ohio State kicker Noah Ruggles. The Penn State quarterback answered with an interception to Tuimoloau with 4:42 on the clock in the first quarter.

The argument could be made that Penn State would’ve had a larger lead earlier in the game if not for the two interceptions. There isn’t any doubt Clifford should’ve played better. Should’ve, could’ve, would’ve doesn’t matter — Clifford had three turnovers to end the game.

Offense collapses, defense follows suit

As many fumbles and interceptions that the offense had, the defense didn’t do them any favors. The Nittany Lions had a 21-16 lead with 9:26 left in the game. TreVeyon Henderson made Penn State’s defense pay on a 41-yard rushing touchdown to take a 23-21 lead following the extra point. Clifford was strip-sacked by Tuimoloau with 8:26 left in the game. Stover made them pay on a 24-yard touchdown reception on a pass by CJ Stroud to take a 31-21 lead after the extra point.

Henderson had a 7-yard rushing touchdown, followed by Tuimoloau’s 14-yard interception return. Both sides of the ball had their struggles on Saturday, and that cannot happen against the No. 2 team in the country.