Ohio State Names Seven Players Of The Game After Dominant Win Over Penn State

Considering Ohio State thoroughly dominated Penn State in its 38-14 win on Saturday, it should come as no surprise that the Buckeyes’ coaching staff felt seven players were worthy of Player of the Game honors.

On the offensive end, redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, sophomore receiver Jeremiah Smith and junior receiver Carnell Tate were named Players of the Game, while junior linebacker Arvell Reese, junior defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and junior defensive tackle Kayden McDonald earned recognition defensively.

Sayin, Tate and Smith teamed up to fuel an explosive Ohio State passing attack. In the win, Sayin threw for 316 yards and four touchdowns while completing 20 of 23 passes. The majority of Sayin’s passing production came when he targeted either Smith or Tate. Smith led the way with six catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns, while Tate went for five catches, 124 yards and a touchdown.

Smith and Tate were especially effective catching passes deep down the field. The star receivers combined for three catches of over 40 yards in the win.

Jackson and Reese each set career-highs in Ohio State’s win. Jackson went for four tackles, including 2.5 for loss and had a career-high two sacks, and Reese had a team-high and career-high 12 tackles, including 2.5 for loss and recorded a sack.

McDonald also had a solid performance. He tied his career-high with eight total tackles. 

Freshman linebacker Riley Pettijohn also earned Player of the Game honors as a special teamer. The talented freshman logged a tackle in the game.