Ohio State Buckeyes Locked In Defensive Struggle vs. Penn State Nittany Lions

As expected, the Ohio State Buckeyes and Penn State Nittany Lions are stuck in a defensive battle in Columbus

Entering their massive home matchup against the No. 7 Penn State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes were looking to extend their winning streak over the Nittany Lions to seven straight games. 

And through the first half of play, they have themselves in position to do just that, leading James Franklin's bunch 10-6 heading into the locker room at halftime. 

As expected the two teams have been locked in a defensive struggle through the first 30 minutes of play, with neither offense being able to establish much of a rhythm.

The biggest series of the game came midway through the second quarter, when Penn State forced a fumble from Ohio State QB Kyle McCord, taking it back for an apparent score. 

Unfortunately for the Nittany Lions, there was a defensive holding penalty called on the play, allowing Ohio State to keep possession, and avoid disaster.

And that is when the Buckeyes would seize their own opportunity, hitting Marvin Harrison Jr. at the five-yard line on an extremely impressive grab by the Ohio State star.

Shortly after that, the Buckeyes cashed it in, with Miyan Williams rushing the ball into the end zone for the score, giving the Buckeyes a 10-3 lead, and completing the 14-point swing. 

Outside of that Williams score, however, the two teams have been deadlocked, combining for just 215 yards through the air, and 348 total yards.

The two quarterbacks have also largely struggled, with McCord completing just 11 of his 21 passes for 124 yards, while Penn State QB Drew Allar continued his issues on the road for the Nittany Lions, completing 6 of 17 passes for 91 yards. 

The two offenses will look to get back on track in the second half, which will be a tall task against elite defenses on both sides of the field.