How in the world did Ohio State pull that off?

Despite trailing by 15 points in the fourth quarter, the Buckeyes kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive with their miraculous 39-38 win over No. 2 Penn State, and in the process put the rest of the sport on notice. While everyone had a hand in the comeback (even special teams did something good!), J.T. Barrett and the Ohio State defensive line went above and beyond in carrying the Buckeyes to an improbable win.

You probably already know J.T.’s 4th quarter stats by heart: 13/13, 170 yards, and three touchdowns, including the beautifully designed and executed game-winner to Marcus Baugh:

 

Not bad for a guy people said couldn’t win a big game.

Meanwhile, the defensive line continued to show why it might be the best position group in the country. The unit racked up 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, held all-world running back Saquon Barkley to just 44 yards on 21 carries, and closed the game out by absolutely mauling the Penn State offensive line on four straight plays:

 

On this episode of The Hangout in the Holy Land, Colton Denning and Patrick Mayhorn are effusive in their praise of Barrett and the line, and talk about everything that happened in Ohio State’s wild win, including:

  • Barrett’s status as the best quarterback in school history.
  • Why they think the coaches nearly bungled the game with their kickoff strategy, and wondering what was up with forgetting about J.K. Dobbins, plus the swing passes to Mike Weber.
  • Discussing where the game was at its bleakest, but why they always thought Ohio State had a chance to win.
  • Giving props to the Austin Mack, Jordan Fuller, and the offensive line, plus looking ahead to the last four games of the season, and more!

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