Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate, front, catches a touchdown against Penn State defensive back Zion Tracy during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Following are the highlights and lowlights from Penn State’s 38-14 loss to Ohio State on Saturday at Ohio Stadium:

Play of the game: After a Buckeyes’ turnover late in the first half let Penn State back in the game (17-14), Julian Sayin found Carnell Tate for 57 yards on the second play of the third quarter to the Lions’ 4. Two snaps later, the Buckeyes were back up 24-14.

Offensive player of the game: Sayin completed 20-of-23 for 316 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

Defensive player of the game: Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese made 12 tackles, including 2.5 for loss.

Most telling statistic: Buckeye receivers Tate and Jeremiah Smith combined for 11 catches — on 11 targets — for 247 yards and three TDs.

Most deceiving statistic: Penn State ran 60 plays to Ohio State’s 55.

Hidden statistic: The Nits’ first three drives of the second half produced a total of 11 yards.

Best run: Bo Jackson sprung a 51-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Best pass: Sayin’s 45-yard touchdown pass to Tate extended the Buckeyes’ lead to 17-7 with 3:14 left in the first half.

Worst pass: Ethan Grunkemeyer threw behind an open Kyron Hudson in the second quarter.

Best catch: PSU freshman Koby Howard went high for a fourth-quarter reception.

Catch it, will ya: Cam Smith let a third-quarter kickoff bounce, and the miscue pinned the Lions at their 13.

Hold it, won’t ya: Grunk fumbled in the fourth quarter, but the Lions (Drew Shelton) recovered.

Best block: Ioane Vega opened the edge for Kaytron Allen’s 26-yard run on the Nits’ first play.

Best tackle: Reese sacked Grunk for an 11-yard loss in the third quarter, forcing a(nother) PSU punt.

Best hit: Ohio State’s Sonny Styles decked Liam Clifford in the third quarter.

Best kick: Penn State’s Gabe Nwosu uncorked a 59-yard punt in the third quarter.

Best call: On third-and-5 from the Buckeye 9, PSU dialed up a shovel pass to Allen, who gained 8 yards and set up a TD that cut the OSU lead to 17-14 just before halftime.

Worst call: Penn State’s razzle-dazzle reverse attempt in the fourth quarter lost 14 yards and also drew a motion penalty that was declined.

Best effort: Ohio State led 17-7 with two minutes left in the first half when Dani Dennis-Sutton coaxed a fumble out of C.J. Donaldson, and Chaz Coleman returned it to the Ohio State 13. The Lions used the turnover to pull within 17-14.

Unsung heroes: Ohio State’s offensive line allowed zero sacks.