A taunting penalty called on Penn State moved the chains for Ohio State at a crucial moment during the first half of Saturday’s top-five college football game in Happy Valley. The controversial flag swung momentum in favor of the visitors when it looked like the home team was really starting to buckle down.
It was a huge mistake committed by the Nittany Lions that ultimately led to six points for the Buckeyes.
Penn State took a 10-0 lead with approximately six minutes left in the first quarter. Ohio State responded with a touchdown on its next offensive drive and immediately forced a punt to get the ball right back.
Five plays later, Will Howard dropped back to pass on 3rd-and-11 at the 38-yard-line. He looked to his right and unleashed a dart to wide receiver Carnell Tate right in front of the sticks. The pass was complete but only for a gain of seven, which would’ve likely forced a punt on 4th-and-4.
However, sophomore defensive back Elliot Washington II gave the Buckeyes a fresh set of downs. Big Ten officials determined that he committed was unsportsmanlike with his conduct by stepping over Tate while getting back up off of the turf.
An unsportsmanlike penalty is called on Penn State here and gives OSU a first down pic.twitter.com/igtqIOcZQz
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 2, 2024
Nittany Lions fans couldn’t believe their eyes. The way Washington stood up after making the tackle resulted in a 15-yard penalty and a first down.
Penn State fans react to that call pic.twitter.com/Ex4PaFNlk2
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 2, 2024
Ohio State scored its second touchdown of the game and took a four-point lead just five plays later. Ryan Day and Chip Kelly might’ve punted on 4th-and-4 if the flag did not bail them out. At the very least, the Penn State defense would’ve had an opportunity to force a turnover on downs.
That decision never came to exist. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty flipped the momentum on its head during a crucial moment of a one-possession college football game.
What appeared to be a huge stop for the Nittany Lions quickly became a touchdown for the Buckeyes. Was it the right call?