"Our team is notorious for slow starts," forwards coach Don Ferrell said. "We played a strong second half but a slow start can kill you."
Early in the first half, missed Penn State tackles allowed an Ohio State back to break down the field and slam the ball on the ground for a try. Minutes later, a bad clear by Penn State in their own half allowed the Buckeyes to get out to a quick 14-0 lead as they walked almost untouched into the end zone for another try.
After the two early tries by Ohio State, the Ruggers seemed to relax.
Penn State head coach Terry Ryland said he told his team they needed to "put the boot to the ball" more in order to gain good field position if they wanted to win.
The rain and sloppy field conditions slowed the match at the end of the first half and beginning of the second.
"I don't think we were intimidated by them," Ferrell said. "But the weather conditions were beneficial to them."
Both teams were held scoreless until the Buckeyes overpowered the Ruggers, driving the length of the field and adding another try to their score with around 10 minutes left to play.
After that try, Penn State stepped up their game. They spent most of the final 10 minutes in Ohio State's half of the field.
Penn State's defensive pressure allowed them to steal the ball and put Ohio State back on their heels. The Ruggers finally hit pay dirt as a four-pass break sent winger Ryan Sigley in for the try.
"Our defense caused the turnover," Sigley said. "The ball came outside to me and all I had to do was break for the corner and go in for the try."
Trailing 21-5, Penn State kept the pressure on the Buckeyes but couldn't convert any of their opportunities.
"This was a big learning experience," Ryland said. "Ohio State had a good thought process. Against a team like this you can't make mistakes."
