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| Once again, Braxton Miller shines under the lights, accounting for 3 TD's & 277 total yards of offense. |
Box Score: Ohio State 35, Penn State 23 Final
WEEEEEEE!!!! I'm sure that's the sound Braxton Miller made as he dove into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the night, leading the Buckeyes to a 35-23 victory over the Nittany Lions. The atmosphere was unbelievable again, at Beaver Stadium, and the Buckeyes handled the crowd along with a number of mishaps to grab the road win, and improve their season record to a perfect 9-0. After starting their season 0-2, Penn State had won 5-straight heading into Saturday's game vs. the Buckeyes with a lot of confidences. The Buckeyes weathered the storm early (blocked punt, that resulted in a PSU TD), settled for a 7-7 tie at halftime, and took control of the game in the 3rd quarter. The Buckeyes outscored the Nittany Lions 21-3 in the 3rd, and were impressive on both sides of the ball. The Buckeyes 9-0 record is their best start since 2007 when they started that season 10-0. With three remaining games left on the schedule (vs. Illinois, @ Wisconsin, vs. Michigan), the Buckeyes chances of finishing the season at a perfect 12-0, are looking pretty good in this bowl ban season, the 1st under Head Coach Urban Meyer. GO BUCKEYES!
Offense:
Once again, Braxton Miller was unstoppable, proving how important he is to this Buckeyes offensive attack this season. Accounting for another 3 TD's (2 rush, 1 pass) Miller, who was playing for the 1st time after being sent to the hospital during last weeks game vs. Purdue, made the plays when he needed to. His numbers would be a lot better too, if he connected once or twice with wide open receivers and made better decisions on running plays. However, he is a outstanding playmaker for this offensive attack and the number one reason, why this Buckeyes team is 9-0 at this point of the season. Carlos Hyde again supported Miller, with 55 yards & a TD, while Rod Smith contributed 48 yards on 4 touches. With only 7 completions on the night for Miller and the Buckeyes, they made each one count. The biggest going to WR Jake Stoneburner (2 catches, 86 yards, TD) on a 72-yard touchdown pass & catch/run, that put the final nail in the decision of this game. It was great seeing Miller back out there, and finishing off drives with TD's, with they have done almost all season.
Defense:
I'll say the Buckeyes defense has played their best ball the past two weeks. In the game against Penn State, they limited the big plays from Penn State's offense, forced a interception that was returned for a score, and foiled a fake punt attempt by the Nittany Lions at a critical point in the 2nd half. Despite still struggling with covering in the defensive backfield, the pressure on PSU QB Matt McGloin was solid all night, and PSU running attack was a non-factor in this one. Another pick-six vs. PSU, which the Buckeyes have had their share of pick-6's in recent years over the Nittany Lions, was enjoyable to watch, and gave the Buckeyes the early MO at the beginning of the 2nd half. Another blocked punt tho, resulted in a Nittany Lions score. This has become a concern with that one being the 3rd on the season going against the Buckeyes, and resulting in the opponents scoring off of. In the end, it was a solid night by the defense and special teams, and takes the pressure off the offense just a little, when they do their part. BRING THE JUICE!
Next Week:
The Buckeyes (9-0) head into the month of November with three games remaining on their schedule. Next up on the slate a date with the Fighting Illini of Illinois (2-6, 0-4 Big Ten) for the Illibuck trophy. The Buckeyes have won the last 7 of 8 in the series since 2002 (which includes the 2010 vacated win), with Illinois' lone win in that span coming in 2007 in Columbus (28-21).
