The Ohio State Buckeyes suffered their first loss of the season tonight, blowing a 14-point, fourth-quarter lead on their way to a 24-21 defeat at Penn State. Ohio State is obviously disappointed with the result, and the team will dissect the loss as they try to improve for future games. Here are three takeaways from the game:
3) Something is wrong with the offense
This is now three straight games in which Ohio State's offense hasn't looked quite right. They still accounted for 413 yards, but turnovers and field goals kept them from really capitalizing and putting this away. The Buckeyes also aren't getting the big, explosive players they got earlier in the season. Samuel did reel off a 72-yard TD run, but it was a struggle to move the ball the rest of the time. Ohio State needs to get this right if they want to avoid another loss this season.
2) Should we be concerned about special teams?
Penn State won this game because of Ohio State's failures on special teams. The Buckeyes missed an extra point, had a punt blocked, then had the field goal blocked that was returned for a touchdown. Given it is just one game, but that's a LOT of mistakes - especially for an Urban Meyer team. Expect them to sort it out this week.
1) All of their goals are still achievable
Obviously this loss doesn't help Ohio State's chances of winning the Big Ten and making the College Football Playoff, but it doesn't take them out of the running, either. They still have just one loss, and have plenty of opportunities to pick up marquee wins. In two weeks, they'll face off against a top 10 Nebraska team, then get Michigan at home. As long as the Buckeyes win out, they'll be fine.
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