The No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes beat Indiana on Saturday night, 52-49, after a furious comeback attempt by the home-team Hoosiers.
Ohio State vs. Indiana 2012 final score: Buckeyes hold off Hoosier comeback, 52-49
Indiana briefly led in the second quarter, 14-10, before Ohio State began to pull away and take a 24-14 lead into halftime after a Braxton Miller 60-yard pass to Devin Smith. Ohio State and Indiana would trade scores in the second half, with the Buckeyes apparently having answers each time Indiana would challenge with a score of their own.
Indiana pulled to within 52-41 with just over a minute remaining in regulation thanks to a 12-yard touchdown pass to Duwyce Wilson, with the Hoosiers recovering the subsequent onside kick. Sudfield had entered the game in replacement of Cameron Coffman.
Sudfield quickly hit Stephen Houston for a 25-yard touchdown with Indiana converting the two-point conversion, and they trailed 52-49 with 1:05 remaining.
Ohio State would run out the clock on the final possession, preserving the close victory.
Box Score Hero: In a game filled with big offense, Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller put up the biggest numbers. 13-of-24 for 211 yards and two touchdowns, adding 149 yards rushing and a touchdown on 23 carries.
Rankings Ramifications: With West Virginia and South Carolina losing on Saturday, Ohio State could slip into the top five in the rankings. The close win against a team with a losing record may hurt them, however.
But Did They Cover? Ohio State failed to cover the 19 1/2 point spread.
For More On This Game: For more on Buckeyes football, visit Ohio State blog Land-Grant Holy Land, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire and SB Nation Cleveland. For more on Hoosiers football, visit Indiana blog The Crimson Quarry, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire.
Next Week’s Schedule: Ohio State takes on Purdue on Saturday, Oct. 20. Indiana will be on the road against Navy, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET.
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