The Penn State football team's clash with Ohio State this weekend will be more than just a battle on the field. It will be a chance for the Nittany Lions to confront the ghosts of their past, as they seek to end a seven-game losing streak against the Buckeyes. However, buried within that sea of disappointment lies a shining moment from the not-so-distant past – a game that changed the trajectory of the program and propelled it to new heights.

Defying the Odds: Penn State's Stunning Upset of the Buckeyes

A Clash of Titans

In October 2016, the Ohio State football program was a juggernaut, having won the inaugural College Football Playoff just 21 months earlier and followed it up with a 12-1 season and a Fiesta Bowl victory. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 2 in the nation and boasted a perfect 6-0 record, including an overtime triumph over a top-10 Wisconsin team. Meanwhile, Penn State and its head coach, James Franklin, were in a less enviable position, struggling to regain their status as a national or even Big Ten title contender.

A Glimmer of Hope

The start of the 2016 season had not been kind to the Nittany Lions, as they fell to rival Pitt and were blown out by Michigan. Though they had recovered with two straight wins before hosting Ohio State, Penn State and Franklin were on shaky ground, facing the daunting task of taking on the mighty Buckeyes.

A Dramatic Turnaround

For much of the night, it appeared as though it would be more of the same for Franklin and his team. Ohio State scored the game's first 12 points and took a 21-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter, with Penn State's offense featuring future Pro Bowlers Saquon Barkley and Chris Godwin largely held in check. However, in the final period, the momentum shifted dramatically.The Nittany Lions marched 90 yards in just five plays and 1:20, capping off the drive with a two-yard Trace McSorley touchdown run. Penn State then tacked on a field goal on its next drive, which was made possible by a blocked punt that gave them the ball at the Ohio State 28-yard line. The Buckeyes responded by driving down to the Nittany Lions' 28, setting up for a field goal that could have extended their lead to seven with fewer than five minutes to play.

A Defining Moment

But in a stunning turn of events, everything changed. Ohio State's Tyler Durbin lined up for what would have been a career-long 45-yard kick, but Penn State's Marcus Allen leaped into the air and blocked the attempt. The ball was scooped up in stride by Nittany Lions cornerback Grant Haley, who outran the Buckeyes' coverage for a go-ahead, 60-yard touchdown with 4:27 remaining.The Buckeyes had a chance to tie the game or take the lead, but they were unable to get past their own 42-yard line, saw quarterback J.T. Barrett sacked twice, and turned the ball over on downs, securing a 24-21 victory for Penn State. The win led to a euphoric scene in Happy Valley, with white-clad fans rushing the field.

A Watershed Moment

For both Franklin and the Penn State program, it was a breakthrough moment. Though the Nittany Lions' two early losses had thwarted their College Football Playoff dreams, they went on to win the Big Ten championship that season and earned a spot in the Rose Bowl. Prior to that monumental victory, Penn State had gone 18-14 under Franklin. Beginning with that win over the Buckeyes, the Nittany Lions have compiled an impressive 77-25 record, with five seasons of at least 10 wins, four top-10 finishes in the Coaches Poll, and five appearances in New Year's Six bowl games.The 2016 victory over Ohio State marked the only time the Nittany Lions have beaten the Buckeyes under Franklin's leadership, as he currently holds a 1-9 record against the perennial powerhouse. However, the impact of that game cannot be overstated, as it propelled Penn State to new heights and solidified the program's status as a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten and on the national stage.