Touchdown Tuesday – Ohio State vs. Michigan State

 

The conference games started this past weekend, and it was definitely the week Ohio State needed to step up and prove that they’re still one of the most talented teams in the Big Ten. Saturday’s game against Michigan State was undoubtedly a nail biter; with a final score of 17-16, the Buckeyes narrowly escaped with a victory.

HALL SHORT STEPS INTO THE END ZONE | 12:09 1st

The Buckeyes showed promise when their first drive down field was the perfect combination of passing and rushing plays. Between Braxton Miller, Corey “Philly” Brown and Jordan Hall, the Buckeyes were able to make it down to the 1-yard line; Jordan Hall finished the drive, scoring the first touchdown of the game and hushing the 76,705 in attendance at Spartan Stadium

The momentum from the first scoring drive quickly fizzled out, and the Buckeyes and Spartans went scoreless in the second quarter. Going into halftime, the score was 7-3, Buckeyes with the slight lead.

MAXWELL TO MUMPHERY | 4:49 3rd

After a pair of field goals, Michigan State took it upon themselves to gain the lead. The Buckeyes defense was doing a phenomenal job of stopping Le’Veon Bell, so Spartan quarterback Andrew Maxwell decided to let his arm make up for Bell’s absence. After a 17 yard pass to Dion Sims, followed by a Buckeye face mask penalty, Maxwell threw the ball to Keith Mumphery for a 29 yard touchdown.

MILLER TO D. SMITH SAVES THE DAY ONCE AGAIN | 3:05 3rd

Not to be out done, Braxton Miller stepped up to the plate to show his worth once again. After a few short running plays, Miller launched the ball perfectly to Devin Smith for a 63-yard touchdown play.

This one was more than just a simple pass and catch; Devin Smith was covered closely and Miller had a very small target to hit. With the type of arm Miller has shown over this and last season, a throw like this is impressive, it shows accuracy and patience. When the ball hit Devin Smith’s hands Buckeyes fans erupted into cheers; it was a statement maker.

The fourth quarter was not fruitful for Ohio State, and Michigan State was only able to score another field goal themselves. The Buckeyes were able to secure the win by just one point; the final score was 17-16.

Of course there were issues, but at the end of the game the smile on coach Urban Meyer’s face said it all; Ohio State is 1-0 in conference play and one step closer to an unblemished 2012!