By Fitzgerald Cecilio

East Lansing, MI

Quarterback Braxton Miller's 63-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter put Ohio State ahead for good and the Buckeyes' defense limited Michigan State to a field goal in the fourth period en route to a 17-16 victory Saturday at Spartan Stadium.

The victory was coach Urban Meyer's first in the Big Ten. He also became the third mentor in Ohio State history to start the season undefeated after five games, behind Carol Widdoes (1944) and Earle Bruce (1979).

The Spartans (3-2, 0-1), who were led by quarterback Andrew Maxwell's 22-for-42 performance for 269 yards and a touchdown, have lost four straight home games against the Buckeyes.

Miller completed 16 of 23 passes for 179 yards and his touchdown heave to wide receiver Devin Smith gave the Buckeyes the lead which they protected until the final whistle for their fifth straight win.

He also ran for 136 yards on 23 carries to lead Ohio State's rushing corps while Carlos Hyde added 49 yards on 11 carries.

Jordan Hall opened scoring for the Buckeyes with a one-yard touchdown run after an eight-play, 75-yard drive in the first period.

Michigan's kicker Dan Conroy scored the first of his three field goals with a 34-yard scoring kick to close the gap at 7-3 and added a 50-yard kick in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 7-6 before Drew Basil answered with a 26-yard field goal for the Buckeyes.

Maxwell completed a 29-yard heave to Keith Mumphery to put the Spartans ahead, 13-10, but it was short-lived as Miller retaliated with a 63-yard touchdown pass to Smith to snatch the lead back.

The Buckeyes then fortified their defense in the fourth period, forcing the Spartans to punt after two incomplete passes by Maxwell with five minutes left in the game.

 

Braxton Miller TD Strike Helps Ohio State Edge Michigan State