Urban Meyer: Missed Call Cost Ohio State vs Penn State 2016

The Play That Sealed the Loss

Urban Meyer believes a missed penalty during the fourth quarter of Ohio State’s 2016 game at Penn State cost the Buckeyes a chance to stay undefeated. With OSU leading 21‑17 and 4:39 remaining, a fourth‑and‑7 situation prompted a 45‑yard field goal try. Marcus Allen blocked Tyler Durbin’s kick, and Penn State cornerback Grant Haley returned the loose ball for a touchdown, giving the Nittany Lions a four‑point edge. The block was possible because offensive lineman Brady Taylor was pulled out of the line by defensive tackle Ryan Bates, opening a path for Allen to jump and knock down the kick. Meyer later called the decision to run the field goal unit late “my fault” and lamented the uncalled interference.

Ohio State’s defense could not recover after falling behind 21‑24. On the final possession, the Buckeyes faced fourth‑and‑23 from their own 29‑yard line and failed to convert, sealing the 24‑21 defeat. The loss proved to be OSU’s only regular‑season setback that year, costing the program the Big Ten Conference title. Penn State went on to beat Wisconsin 38‑31 in the championship game before losing to USC in the Rose Bowl. Despite the stumble, Ohio State earned a No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoff and was shut out 31‑0 by eventual champion Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl.

Rule Change and Aftermath

Shortly after the game, officials acknowledged that the block might have been illegal under a new rule. Big Ten Coordinator of Football Officials Bill Carollo said at 2017 media days that a 2017 rule prohibited a defender from leaping to block a field goal after reaching the neutral zone. “Last year, legal. This year, illegal,” Carollo explained, according to SB Nation. The change meant that a similar play in the 2017 season would have been flagged, potentially altering future outcomes. While the 2016 call could not be revisited, the rule shift highlighted how nuanced field goal protection can be in college football.

For fans, the memory of that snap remains a “what‑if” that still sparks debate. The missed penalty is frequently cited when analyzing OSU’s path to the national championship, illustrating how a single uncalled infraction can ripple through an entire season. The episode also serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of the sport’s rulebook and the impact officials have on the final score. As the Buckeyes look ahead, the 2016 setback is a benchmark for understanding how quickly momentum can shift on the gridiron.