With recent history and the buildup, this game ended up being one of the most important and iconic win in program history. And it all happened under the lights in Beaver Stadium when the Whiteout was still in it's infancy. In fact, this is the game that made the Whiteouts famous, with Kirk Herbstreit calling the student section "the best in the country". And that student section helped the Lions, as both defenses dominated in this game, and played outstanding. Each team could only muster just over 200 yards of total offense for the game. Ohio State came in with a #6 national ranking, while Penn State had been climbing the rankings with each victory since the season began. Michael Robinson and the offense got Penn State on the board with a superb drive in the second quarter which ended with a Derrick Williams toss sweep for six. Then Troy Smith threw a pick to Calvin Lowry on the ensuing possession to set up another score run in by Robinson. That quick wave of momentum in the 2nd quarter was enough for Penn State to hold onto for the rest of the night. The key to the game was turnovers and sacks. While each team struggled to move the ball against superior defenses, it was Penn State who didn't give up a sack all night. And after early season troubles with glaring turnovers in each game, the offense didn't turn the ball over at all against the Buckeyes, while the two turnovers committed by Troy Smith, were the daggers that doomed the visitors. This one was one for the ages, and it catapulted the Nittany Lions to complete the legendary 2005 season as it was.
Penn State's Top Performers:
Paul Posluszny: 14 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 TFLs
Tamba Hali: 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 TFLs
Dan Connor: 12 tackles, 1 sack
Penn State vaulted from a 16th national ranking to 8th after the win over Ohio State, and improving its record to 6-0. Ohio State suffered its second loss of the year at Penn State bringing its record to 3-2. The Buckeyes would then win out and finish at 10-2 with an AP Poll final ranking of 4th, nationally. They earned a Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame to cap off an impressive season.
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