Despite outgaining Indiana 488 yards to 211 yards last week, Penn State found a way to lose 36-35 in overtime.

The reasons:

• Three first half turnovers.

• Ten penalties for 100 yards.

• A time management miscue with 1:42 left in the fourth quarter that gave the ball back to Indiana when Penn State could ahve run out the clock.

,• Finally, a controversial two-point conversion by the Hoosiers in overtime (replays seemed to indicate the ball hit out-of-bounds before breaking the plane of the goal line).

But despite all those things, Penn State still had numerous chances to win the game. Although, one could argue that the Nittany Lions didn’t deserve to win the ball game anyway.

Quite honestly, in my 10 years of writing this column, it was probably the worst loss I’ve seen from a Penn State football team.

That’s because the outcome should have been all but decided when Penn State regained possession of the ball deep in Indiana territory with the lead and under two minutes remaining.

But solely due to negligence and incompetence in understanding the game situation, the Nittany Lions ended up with a loss.

They now face an almost improbable climb to the Big Ten Championship on Dec. 19, with what I believed to be the most talented Penn State roster since 2008. The potential was and is there, but with the loss to Indiana those limitless possibilities for 2020 may never come to fruition.

But with Ohio State coming (ABC, 7:30 EST) to State College this week there is no rest for the weary and the coaches, players and fans must all move on. The Buckeyes were dominant last week in a 52-17 thrashing of Nebraska and quarterback Justin Fields looked every bit the part of a Heisman Trophy candidate, going 20-of-21 for 276 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.

There are a few positives to take away from Penn State’s game last week against the Hoosiers and that was the play of the defense. The Nittany Lions’ “D” will need to put together a similar effort this week to contain Fields. Fields’ ability to escape the pocket extends a ton of plays for the Buckeyes, especially on third down and it’s why their offense is so hard to keep off schedule.

The Nittany Lions will need to create pressure on both the edges and up the middle to keep Fields in the pocket, not allowing him time to throw the ball down field, but yet also not allowing him to escape up the middle when he is pressured. I believe the Penn State defensive front led by Shaka Toney, Jayson Oweh, PJ Mustipher and Antonio Shelton will be able to generate pressure, but the play of the linebackers will be the key, keeping Fields from breaking loose. If the Nittany Lions can get to Fields, and when they get to him, actually bring him down, or better yet force turnovers, then Penn State will definitely have a shot in this one.

The Penn State defense racked up three sacks and six tackles for a loss against the Hoosiers. I believe creating at least two turnovers will also be critical to the Nittany Lions staying in the game.

The offense, as it was a season ago was inconsistent against Indiana. Quarterback play is paramount in big time college football and Sean Clifford simply did not play well enough in the first half last week. Two interceptions equaled 10 points for the Hoosiers and gave them the confidence early to help finish out the game in the end. Clifford is a frustrating player because he’s tough, he can make all the throws and he shows leadership, but there always seems to be a play or two that come out of nowhere that you just shake your head at.

Clifford ended up making big plays in the second half, including a 35-yard touchdown run and a 60-yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson that put Penn State up 21-20 late in the fourth. He finished with good numbers on the day, throwing for 238 yards and rushing for 119 yards.

It’s all about the start tonight though, if Clifford can get going early and get his confidence level up, then he could have a solid night. If he turns the ball over early, it will get ugly quick.

A facet of the Penn State offense that was not there last week was the down the field passing game. The Nittany Lions were able to run the ball effectively in new offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca’s offense and they obviously put an emphasis on the rushing attack, running it 52 times for 250 yards and that was mostly without starting running back Noah Cain, who has now been ruled out for the season.

With as much success as Penn State had running the football, then that should have set it up for some deep shots, but it never happened other than the 60-yard pass to Dotson, which looked like a total breakdown and confusion on coverage by Indiana.

I do believe the Nittany Lions’ offensive line will protect Clifford and I do believe they will be able to run the football with Devyn Ford, Keyvonne Lee and Caziah Holmes, but in order to beat the Buckeyes you have to make big plays. I don’t know if it’s Clifford not being comfortable in the new offense or if the receivers couldn’t get separation down field. Whatever the case may be, Penn State will need some receivers to step up and make some plays tonight.

A total of 16 points have decided the last four meetings between Penn State and Ohio State. As I have noted, a lot of things have to go the Nittany Lions way in this one. They must get constant pressure and contain on Justin fields, create at least two turnovers while not turning the ball over themselves, and Clifford has to play at a high level from the opening kick.

I like Penn State to battle and to stay in the game, but after last week’s horrific loss and yet another playmaker lost in Noah Cain, it’s going to be too tough to overcome.

My pick is Ohio State 38, Penn State 31.