The programs met eight times prior to the 1993 season when Penn State joined the Big Ten Conference.

This was not included as a protected rivalry when the Big Ten expanded in 2024; the teams will now meet at least twice in a five-year cycle.

What would have been the Buckeyes' seventh win in 2010, along with that entire season, was vacated as a result of players receiving improper benefits.

Penn State was suffering through a dismal season with a 1–4 start with Matt Senaca leading the way.

Ohio State went up 14–3 when QB Troy Smith, attempting to avoid a sack, threw downfield into coverage.

Wide Receiver Brian Robiskie was able to catch the pass and avert a Penn State interception.

[7] Ohio State entered the 2007 edition at Happy Valley undefeated and ranked #1 in the country.

Despite the loud Penn State "whiteout" planned by the Lions' student section, the Buckeyes were able to overcome an early 7–3 deficit to win 37–17.

The 2008 meeting saw Penn State prevail 13–6 at Ohio Stadium, snapping a seven-game losing streak in the Shoe.

After the 2010 season, it was revealed that several Ohio State players, most notably QB Terrelle Pryor, received improper benefits.

An investigation determined that Tressel had knowledge of the situation but failed to notify the University or the NCAA.

The 2011 season began a new era in the rivalry with new additions to the Big Ten conference, as well as new head coaches for both teams.

The 2011 season also marked a new era for the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions, as Luke Fickell was named the interim head coach for the season after Tressel's resignation and Tom Bradley after longtime Penn State head coach Joe Paterno was fired 9 games into the season following the uncovering of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal (Paterno died shortly thereafter on January 22, 2012).

Penn State eventually hired former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien to succeed Paterno as head coach.

The O'Brien Era at Penn State lasted only two seasons, as he was hired as to be the head coach of the NFL's Houston Texans in 2014.

O'Brien's Lions lost twice to the Buckeyes, with the 63–14 result in 2013 representing Penn State's worst loss, and most points scored against the team, since 1899.