Campus Confidential

BY MIKE ROSE

It wasn't pretty, but No. 3 Penn State beat No. 9 Ohio State 13-6 tonight in a defensive struggle in Columbus.

It was Penn State's first win at Ohio State since 1978 and the Nittany Lions' first win in Columbus as a member of the Big Ten.

The game was dominated by both defenses. It came down to special teams and turnovers.

Super freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor had the best passing day of his young career (16 of 24 for 226), but made the costly turnover.

On a 3rd-and-1 play near the 50-yard line late in the fourth quarter, Pryor saw some daylight and said he was thinking touchdown. But Penn State hero Mark Rubin quickly closed in on Pryor, hit the ball with his left hand and caused a fumble. After a mad scramble, Penn State linebacker Navorro Bowman came up with the ball.

Pat Devlin took over for Daryll Clark, who appeared to sustain a minor concussion, and eventually scored on a 1-yard run. The key play was a pass interference call on Ohio State.

Kevin Kelly, who missed a field goal that would've tied it at 6-6, made a 35-yard field goal to make it 13-6.

Lydell Sargeant made a late interception on a Pryor pass in the end zone to seal the win.

Chris "Beanie" Wells rushed for just 55 yards on 22 carries.

Penn State rushed for 160 yards, including a game-high 77 by Evan Royster.

The win puts Penn State in line to at least take the Big Ten title. If Penn State wins out, the Nittany Lions would likely play for the national title.

No. 2 Alabama, who I predicted would lose tonight, made me look bad by easily beating rival Tennessee 29-9.

The Crimson Tide, which had been playing poorly in the second half lately, played much better tonight.

Also, John Parker Wilson played very well (17 of 24 for 188 yards). Roy Upchurch (14 carries for 86 yards, 1 TD) and Glen Coffee (19 carries for 78, 1 TD) controlled things on the ground. Freshman Julio Jones made six catches for 103 yards.

Alabama still has a trip to LSU remaining.