After Ohio State suffered an unfathomable loss to Michigan State, the door was wide open for Penn State as well.
The second-ranked Buckeyes could have qualified for the Big Ten title game if they had avoided an upset against a 23-point opponent, but they lost 13-10.
Penn State was in control of its own destiny and all it needed to do was avoid an upset.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Abdul Carter of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after being sacked in the first half against the Maryland Terrapins on Nov. 30, 2024 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Scott Tetch/Getty Images)
They did just that, earning a 44-7 victory over Maryland.
The game didn't start out ideally for the Nittany Lions, who committed a fumble on the first play and allowed a touchdown on the second play. They then scored 38 unanswered points, 28 of which came in the second quarter.
Nicholas Singleton fumbled to start the game, but found the end zone to give Penn State its first lead early in the second. After the Terps turned the ball over on downs from their own 30, Penn State was able to get into the end zone again in just three plays.
Maryland then went 3-and-out and led 24-3 after five plays. Penn State then recorded an interception and Drew Allard hit Tyler Warren for a 7-yard score.
Zion Tracy of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after being sacked in the first half against the Maryland Terrapins on Nov. 30, 2024 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Scott Tetch/Getty Images)
Michigan State's shocking upset over Ohio State descends into chaos as a large-scale brawl breaks out at midfield
Singleton added another score in the fourth.
After scoring in the first quarter, Maryland either punted or turned the ball over on each of its next 12 drives, only getting past midfield twice.
Penn State will play Oregon State in the Big Ten title game next week in Indianapolis. This will be Penn State's first appearance in the championship game since 2016.
Drew Allard (15) of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half under pressure from Tyze Johnson (40) of the Maryland Terrapins at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania on November 30, 2024. Attempt a pass. (Scott Tetch/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The winner will receive a bye in the first round of the College Football Playoff, but a loss wouldn't be the worst since the losing team will likely host a home game in the first round.
As for Ohio State, the Buckeyes are probably still safe, but the day didn't go the way they had hoped.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcastplease subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
