Freshman Tracker: Carnell Tate Makes An Athletic Catch and A Crucial Block, Jermaine Mathews Jr. Steps in for Denzel Burke in Ohio State’s Victory Over Penn State

In national contests when Big Noon Kickoff and College GameDay are in town, freshmen are expected to have the best seats in the house. During yesterday's 20-12 victory over Penn State, six freshmen were called upon to contribute to the crucial win. 

Tate delivers

On Marvin Harrison Jr.'s game-breaking touchdown, Carnell Tate delivered the key block, springing Route Man Marv past the left pylon. Ryan Day found Tate on the sideline to compliment him on the block that enabled Harrison to cross the goal line for the vital score. 

Following Penn State's late touchdown, Tate calmly secured the Nittany Lions' onside kick to deliver the seventh straight win in the series for the Buckeyes. It's impressive to see a freshman secure an onside kick as smoothly and calmly as No. 17 did.

Carnell Tate puts the game on ice pic.twitter.com/IIpXwmV8y3

— Brodie (@BrodieKnowsBall) October 22, 2023

Tate played a season-high 36 offensive snaps and caught three passes for 21 yards. His longest catch was for 15 yards, which gave Ohio State a first down late in the first quarter. The talented Tate made the athletic diving catch across the middle of the field.

Carnell Tate's got next. @carnelltate_ x @OhioStateFB

: FOX/@CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/rX4nEM9B2t

— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) October 21, 2023

If you look closely, you'll see him catch the ball with his right arm/hand, then roll and come up with the ball in his left hand. That's some certifiable Houdini stuff right there.

A zero-yard catch was probably the most memorable of the day. Kyle McCord, leading 10-6 and facing 4th-and-goal at the two-yard line, hit Tate on an out. Penn State's defense was prepared for the play as Tate was slammed to the turf by two Nittany Lions short of the end zone. 

CARNELL TATE AND THE OHIO STATE OFFENSE ARE STOPPED ON FOURTH DOWN.

Penn State takes over now. pic.twitter.com/bwt2f6a4rS

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 21, 2023

Tate's chances of scoring on the play were slim as Penn State had five defenders to cover Ohio State's four receivers. 

Mathews Jr. has moxie

With Denzel Burke unavailable, Jermaine Mathews Jr. played a career-high 47 defensive snaps. On the biggest stage of his young career, Mathews recorded three tackles and broke up this pass on a key third down.

Penn State still hasn't converted a third down. The Nittany Lions are now 0-of-9.

Ohio State CB Jermaine Mathews Jr. has stepped up today. The true freshman is credited with the PBU on this 3rd-and-8. pic.twitter.com/yI8LeMEVhy

— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) October 21, 2023

Coaches and teammates noticed his efforts. "Super impressive," fellow cornerback Jordan Hancock said of Mathews. "But he's a dog. He's going to be ready for – his future is really bright."

Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles on the freshman's performance: “I said the kid's got moxie ... He just went out and played. Made some tackles, didn't flinch in the moment of truth. I'm really proud of him.”

Rest of the class 

Malik Hartford and Brandon Inniss played on special teams, Luke Montgomery was on the field for two offensive snaps and Kayden McDonald got in the game for a 3rd-and-1 play on defense. Hartford was used on six of Ohio State's nine punt returns and Inniss on five. Inniss was also on the field for three of the Buckeyes' four kickoff returns and was trusted to be on the hands team for the onside kick at the end of the game.  

A trip to Madison to take on the Badgers may or may not result in playing time for the freshmen who make the trip to Wisconsin.

Through seven games, 11 of Ohio State's 21 scholarship true freshmen have seen the field with five – Malik Hartford, Brandon Inniss, Jermaine Mathews Jr., Luke Montgomery and Carnell Tate – now ineligible for a redshirt as they have played in five or more games.

(Note: The table does not include freshman walk-ons who have not yet played.)

• #3 Ohio State 20, #7 Penn State 12
• Oct. 21, 2023 • Ohio Stadium • Columbus, OH
• • Seventh Straight Win Vs. Penn State
• • Elite Defense Carries Ohio State Again
• • Maserati Marv Hits 162
• • Stroud Sings Carmen Ohio With Buckeyes
• • Ohio State Postgame • Penn State Postgame • Photos
• • TBDBITL