COLUMBUS, Ohio — Julian Sayin passed for 316 yards and four touchdowns, Jeremiah Smith scored twice and top-ranked Ohio State pulled away in the second half to defeat Penn State 38-14 Saturday.
The Buckeyes (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) had a 17-14 lead at halftime, but took control in the second half, scoring on three of their first four possessions.
Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton both had rushing scores for Penn State (3-5, 0-5), which has dropped five straight and lost both games with interim coach Terry Smith at the helm. Smith took over after James Franklin was fired on Oct. 12.
Sayin completed 20 of 23 passes and joined Geno Smith as the only Football Bowl Subdivision players since 1985 to have three games in a season with at least 300 yards passing, three touchdowns, no interceptions and a completion rate of at least 85%.
Smith accomplished the feat in 2012 at West Virginia.
Sayin had three completions of at least 40 yards, including a pair to Carnell Tate, who finished with five catches for 124 yards. Sayin connected with Tate on a go route for a 45-yard TD midway through the second quarter to extend the Buckeyes’ lead to 17-7.
Jeremiah Smith finished with six receptions for 123 yards. He put Ohio State on the board midway through the first quarter with a 14-yard catch on a slant pattern. The sophomore then extended the Buckeyes’ lead to 38-14 with a highlight-reel grab on an 11-yard touchdown with 9:43 remaining in the game.
Sayin’s pass appeared to be tipped, but Smith leapt and made a one-handed grab with his left hand while being surrounded by three Penn State defenders.
The Buckeyes got some breathing room on the opening drive of the second half. Tate had a 57-yard catch to the Penn State 4 on the second play of the possession and CJ Donaldson plowed in…
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