Urban Meyer just dropped a bombshell on his podcast, claiming a missed penalty was the *real* reason Penn State pulled off their epic 2016 upset over Ohio State. You read that right. Nearly a decade later, the former Buckeyes coach is airing out grievances about a game that still lives rent-free in the minds of over 100,000 fans who packed Beaver Stadium that night.
The Game That Defined an Era, Or So We Thought
Let's cast our minds back to October 22, 2016. That was arguably the brightest moment of James Franklin's 12-year tenure at Penn State. His teams had consistent regular-season success, sure, but they often fell short in the biggest matchups, going just 4-17 against Michigan and Ohio State. But that night against the Buckeyes? It was electric. The Nittany Lions blocked a field goal that would've put them down seven points, returning it for a touchdown to snatch the lead. Meyer's Ohio State team gave up 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and made a truly memorable special teams mistake, allowing Penn State to claw their way back in and take the win. That victory? It's ingrained in Penn State lore, the only time they've taken down the Buckeyes in the last 15 years.Meyer's Bold New Spin
Now, Meyer is stepping up to the mic and giving Nittany Lions fans a fresh reason to boil with anger. On his podcast, he revealed that he believes a missed penalty was the *real* reason Penn State won. And get this: he also points to his own time mismanagement, bringing the field goal unit on late. It’s a wild take, especially since Meyer has actually been pretty optimistic about the Nittany Lions lately, even using his platform to discuss new coach Matt Campbell and the team's future. Yet, this comment? It just rips open old wounds. Penn State played well enough to win the game, and they did. End of story, right? Apparently not for Meyer. This isn't just about a game from long ago; it's about the emotional stakes for a fanbase that cherishes that win. It shows that some moments, no matter how many years pass, can still get under your skin.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.