The Penn State vs Ohio State rivalry is one of the most iconic and enduring rivalries in college football. For decades, these two Big Ten powerhouses have been locked in a struggle for supremacy, with each side boasting a rich history, passionate fan base, and a desire to claim bragging rights.
The roots of the rivalry date back to the early 20th century, when Penn State and Ohio State first faced off on the gridiron. However, it wasn't until the 1990s, when both teams joined the Big Ten Conference, that the rivalry truly began to take shape. Since then, the two teams have clashed annually, with the winner often claiming a spot in the conference championship game and a potential berth in the College Football Playoff.
History of the Rivalry
The Penn State-Ohio State rivalry has been marked by numerous memorable moments, from the Nittany Lions' stunning upset of the Buckeyes in 2005 to the Buckeyes' dominant 38-10 victory in 2014. Throughout the years, the two teams have traded blows, with each side experiencing periods of dominance.
One of the most significant moments in the rivalry came in 2008, when Penn State's Anthony Morelli led a game-winning drive in the final minutes to defeat Ohio State 13-6. The victory marked the Nittany Lions' first win over the Buckeyes since 2001 and cemented Morelli's place in Penn State lore.
In recent years, the rivalry has continued to intensify, with the two teams combining for some of the most thrilling games in college football. In 2016, Penn State's Saquon Barkley ran for 226 yards and two touchdowns as the Nittany Lions defeated the Buckeyes 24-21. The following year, Ohio State's J.T. Barrett threw for 328 yards and four touchdowns as the Buckeyes edged Penn State 39-38.
Coaching Rivalry
The Penn State-Ohio State rivalry has also been marked by a series of intense coaching battles. From the late Joe Paterno's clashes with Ohio State's Jim Tressel to the current era of James Franklin vs Ryan Day, the two teams have been led by some of the most iconic and successful coaches in college football.
Paterno, who coached Penn State from 1966 to 2011, was instrumental in establishing the Nittany Lions as a national power. During his tenure, Penn State won two national championships and produced numerous NFL stars. Tressel, who coached Ohio State from 2001 to 2010, led the Buckeyes to three national championships and seven Big Ten titles.
Today, Franklin and Day continue to carry on the coaching rivalry. Franklin, who has led Penn State since 2014, has established the Nittany Lions as one of the top programs in the country. Day, who took over as Ohio State's head coach in 2019, has continued the Buckeyes' tradition of excellence, leading the team to a Big Ten championship in his first season.
Impact on the Big Ten Conference
The Penn State-Ohio State rivalry has had a profound impact on the Big Ten Conference. The two teams have combined to win 17 conference championships since 1993, including 10 titles since 2005. The rivalry has also helped to drive interest in the conference, with numerous high-profile matchups between the two teams drawing massive audiences.
In addition, the rivalry has played a significant role in shaping the conference's reputation as a premier destination for college football. The success of Penn State and Ohio State has helped to attract top recruits and coaches to the conference, further solidifying the Big Ten's position as one of the nation's top leagues.
Rivalry Renewed
In recent years, the Penn State-Ohio State rivalry has experienced a resurgence, with the two teams combining for some of the most thrilling games in college football. In 2019, Penn State's Justin Fields led a game-winning drive in the final minutes to defeat Ohio State 28-23. The victory marked the Nittany Lions' first win over the Buckeyes since 2016 and cemented Fields' place as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
The following year, Ohio State's Justin Fields threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns as the Buckeyes edged Penn State 38-25. The victory marked the Buckeyes' fifth consecutive win over the Nittany Lions and further solidified their position as one of the nation's top programs.
Why the Rivalry Matters
The Penn State-Ohio State rivalry matters for a number of reasons. Firstly, the two teams have a long and storied history, with a series of intense and memorable matchups that have captivated audiences across the country.
Secondly, the rivalry has a significant impact on the Big Ten Conference, with the two teams combining to win numerous conference championships and helping to drive interest in the league.
Finally, the rivalry has a profound impact on the fans, with thousands of Penn State and Ohio State supporters gathering each year to cheer on their teams. The rivalry has become an integral part of the college football landscape, with each matchup representing a chance for one team to claim bragging rights and further solidify their position as a national power.
What's Next?
As the Penn State-Ohio State rivalry continues to evolve, it's clear that the next chapter will be just as exciting. With both teams boasting talented rosters and coaching staffs, the future of the rivalry looks bright.
In the short term, the two teams will meet again in 2023, with the Nittany Lions hosting the Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. The matchup is sure to be one of the most highly anticipated games of the season, with thousands of fans gathering to cheer on their teams.
In the long term, the rivalry will continue to shape the college football landscape, with the two teams combining to produce some of the most thrilling games and memorable moments in the sport.
Conclusion
The Penn State-Ohio State rivalry is a true college football classic, with a rich history, passionate fan base, and a desire to claim bragging rights. From the coaching battles to the memorable moments, the rivalry has become an integral part of the college football landscape.
As the rivalry continues to evolve, it's clear that the next chapter will be just as exciting. With both teams boasting talented rosters and coaching staffs, the future of the rivalry looks bright.
So, what's next for the Penn State-Ohio State rivalry? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the rivalry will continue to captivate audiences across the country, producing some of the most thrilling games and memorable moments in college football.
What is the history of the Penn State-Ohio State rivalry?
+The Penn State-Ohio State rivalry dates back to the early 20th century, with the two teams first facing off on the gridiron in 1912.
Who has won more games in the rivalry?
+Ohio State leads the all-time series 22-14.
What is the most memorable game in the rivalry?
+One of the most memorable games in the rivalry was the 2005 matchup, in which Penn State upset Ohio State 17-10.