TB Eric McCoo had 258 yards of total offense (211 yards rushing on 22 carries and four receptions for 47 yards - the total is the most by a Nittany Lion payer in two years; the team had a total of 422 yards of total offense on the day) in PSU’s 23-10 win over the struggling young Buckeyes.

The unbeaten, 2nd ranked Lions allowed #18 OSU only 143 yards of total offense, the fewest since joining the Big Ten in 1993 and the lowest total by any opponent since West Virginia gained only 131 yards in 1991.

PSU’s intense, fired-up defense, blitzing early and often and giving OSU no room at all to run or pass, had eight sacks and completely dominated this game in one of the best defensive performances by any team in Division 1A college football this season.

The Buck’s could only muster 11 first downs and 78 yards passing (7-22-1), the fewest totals given up by the hard-hitting Nittany Lions this year.

OSU, although not playing particularly good defense, did have some bright moments. They held Penn State to three FG’s by PK Travis Forney (38, 39, and 28 yards) and two touchdowns (a seven yard TD catch by FB Mike Cerimele from QB Kevin Thompson, 6-10-1 for 67 yards, on the first possession of the game, and a five yard run by backup QB Rashard Casey, 11-15-0 for 109 yards, early in the third quarter) as the Lion’s Red Zone offense was ineffective. The Bucks also blocked two FG’s (three in two games), recovered a Thompson fumble in the end zone for a TD (that was scooped up by S Gary Berry) on a crushing blow by OLB Na’il Diggs that left Thompson injured and on the ground for several minutes (he did not return and was replaced by the talented Casey), and forced the Lions into 10 penalties for 85 yards.

The game wasn’t the massacre most thought it would be, but it was bad enough led by ferocious All-American LB LaVar Arrington and his Lion defense.

Things don’t get easier for either squad next Saturday. OSU travels to the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn. to play the tough, up and coming Golden Gophers of Minnesota, 37-7 winners over Illinois at Illinois. Penn State has to go to Purdue, 52-28 upset winners over previously undefeated #5 Mich. State at home as highly touted QB Drew Brees passed for 509 yards and four TD’s.