Ohio State beats PSU thanks to historic day by J.T. Tuimoloau

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (44) reacts after intercepting the ball during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 Ohio State wins thanks to a historic day by defender J.T. Tuimoloau

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 10/29/22

J.T. Tuimoloau had a historic performance Saturday in No. 2 Ohio State's 44-31 win over No. 13 Penn State.

Tuimoloau finished with two sacks, a forced fumble, fumble recovery, and two interceptions — including one returned for a touchdown that sealed the Buckeyes' comeback win. No defender has ever put up those kinds of numbers.

FBS players this century with 2 INT, 2 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in the same game:

J.T. Tuimoloau today vs. Penn State

(Per @Stathead
— Jason Starrett (@starrettjason) October 29, 2022

What a SNAG by J.T. Tuimoloau for @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/4IFp4ZEuR4
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 29, 2022

J.T. Tuimoloau DOES IT AGAIN

Have yourself a game @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/Wbp6XGByjf
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 29, 2022

J.T. TUIMOLOAU PICK SIX

THIS GUY IS UNREAL @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/sMn0dh5MpJ
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 29, 2022

His performance got the seal of approval from the king of Ohio himself, LeBron James, as well as rookie phenom Paolo Banchero.

JT TUIMOLOAU!!!! Say that name again and again!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 29, 2022

SAY IT AGAIN AND AGAIN ️️️️ https://t.co/paiJXZIatd
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 29, 2022

legendary performance @JT_Tuimoloau town business
— Paolo Banchero (@Pp_doesit) October 29, 2022

Guys named J.T. are having the best weekend ever.

J.T. Realmuto hit the game-winning home run for Philadelphia in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night, and Saturday afternoon began with Tuimoloau as the main attraction of college football's early slate of games.

The team desperately needed his historic performance, as Penn State (6-2, 3-2 in Big Ten) put up a better fight than most anticipated. The Nittany Lions led 21-16 with nine minutes remaining.

In a span of six minutes and nine seconds, the Buckeyes outscored Penn State 28-3, with Tuimoloau's second interception of the day capping the run.

Ohio State (8-0, 5-0 in Big Ten) looked more vulnerable than it has all season against Penn State. Tuimoloau never looked stronger.

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