The fifth-ranked Buckeyes trailed at the end of the first quarter to No.
“We’re not trying to get style points in the game against Penn State.
The question is, how will the selection committee view the Buckeyes in Tuesday’s initial rankings? Ohio State has a loss on its ledger, unlike Georgia, Cincinnati, Michigan State, Oklahoma and Wake Forest.
“Penn State, to me, is one of the better defenses in the country and a really strong team year in and year out, and I think this was a gritty win,” Day said.
Penn State came in leading the Big Ten and ranking seventh nationally in red-zone defense, allowing scores on 65.2 percent of opponent possessions.
“These types of games are definitely needed,” Stroud said.
Although Ohio State handed Penn State its third loss Saturday, the Buckeyes still have opportunities to improve their playoff profile.
“When we look at the college football right now, it’s about surviving and moving on,” Day said.
According to Day, several schematic changes have allowed Ohio State to generate more playmaking opportunities, like Cage’s scoop and score.