University Park, PA (SportsNetwork.com) – J.T. Barrett shook off a rough game
through the air with a pair of critical touchdown runs in overtime.
Barrett and Ohio State’s rejuvenated offense took a step back Saturday, but
the 13th-ranked Buckeyes did just enough to escape Happy Valley with a 31-24
victory in double overtime.
Ohio State had scored 50-plus points in four straight games coming in but was
shut down completely after taking a 17-0 lead late in the second quarter.
Barrett, who threw for just 74 yards and was intercepted twice, countered Bill
Belton’s touchdown run in the first extra session with one of his own, then
called his number again for the eventual game-winning 4-yard score.
The Buckeyes (5-1, 3-0 Big Ten) sacked Christian Hackenberg on fourth down to
seal the team’s fifth consecutive win.
Hackenberg threw for 224 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the
Nittany Lions (4-3, 1-3), losers of three straight after a promising 4-0
start.
