NOTEBOOK: Defense Shines as No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes Survive No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions, 20-12

The "Rushmen," "Silver Bullets" and every Ohio State Buckeyes defensive unit in between was at the top of their game on Saturday, despite missing some key pieces.

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes overcame their highest-ranked opponent of the season on Saturday, defeating the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions 20-12 at Ohio Stadium.

The Buckeyes put on perhaps their best defensive showcase of the year on their way to victory against the Nittany Lions, silencing many of the critics whom had doubted their abilities through the first six games.

Here are three of the biggest takeaways from Ohio State's eight-point triumph over Penn State:

1. Ohio State's Defense Can Win Games on Their Own

The Buckeyes defense was phenomenal against the top-ten-ranked Nittany Lions.

Over the game’s four quarters, Ohio State amassed four sacks, four quarterback-hits (QBH) and six pass-breakups. Additionally, nine different Scarlet and Gray defenders combined for eight tackles-for-loss.

One of coach Ryan Day’s preseason goals for his team was for the Buckeyes to become more comfortable with the defense playing a bigger role in victories. It is easy to say that’s exactly what happened on Saturday.

2. The Buckeyes NEED TreVeyon Henderson 

Ohio State got the win they were aiming for, but rushed for less than 80 yards in the process. The leading Buckeyes rusher was Miyan Williams, whom required 24 rushes to get just 62 yards.

Luckily, Ohio State’s passing attack was dialed in. The Scarlet and Gray threw for almost 300 yards to make up for the slow day on the ground.

This was the second weekend in a row in which the Buckeyes were without running back TreVeyon Henderson, whom typically rushes for 100 yards in a game or more by himself. If the Buckeyes are to prove themselves worthy of being ranked one of the best teams in the country, they need Henderson to return to the backfield.

3. Marvin Harrison Jr. Might be the Best Receiver in Ohio State History

Harrison has proven he is a force to be reckoned with in each of his couple years at Ohio State, and added another terrific performance to his resume on Saturday.

The junior receiver hauled in a career-high 11 receptions against Penn State (whom entered the game as the top-ranked defense in the country) for 162 yards and a late-contest touchdown to seal the victory for Ohio State. 

Harrison putting the offense on his back at several points during the game is one of the main reasons the Buckeyes were able to triumph despite the less-than-desirable rushing performance. 

There is a case to be made that Harrison means more to Ohio State’s passing offense than any other Buckeyes receiver before him.