Braxton Miller returned with a vengeance, leading the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes to a 31-24 win over the visiting No. 23 Wisconsin Badgers in Columbus.
Wisconsin vs. Ohio State final score: Miller returns, leads Buckeyes to big win
On the strength of four Braxton Miller touchdowns, Ohio State passed its first test of the year.
The Buckeyes took an early lead, as Miller found Evan Spencer for a 25-yard touchdown after less than three minutes of play. Wisconsin was able to tie it up later in the quarter, as Joel Stave completed a 36-yard pass to Jared Abbrederis.
Ohio State responded with two straight scores -- one a 26-yard pass from Miller to Devin Smith, another a 45-yard field goal from Drew Basil . Stave connected with Sam Arneson for another score to bring it close before the half, but Miller pulled off a little magic to change the tenor of the game before the half, making it 24-14.
Ohio State was able to get on the board first in the second half, as well, as Miller found Corey Brown for a one-yard touchdown, making it 31-14.
The Buckeyes took that lead into the fourth quarter, and Wisconsin was finally able to get one in on the ground, as James White scampered for a 17-yard score. A 42-yard field goal from Kyle French cut it to one score, but Ohio State was able to hold on for the win.
Box Score Hero: Braxton Miller. He only threw for 198 yards, but had four touchdowns and ran for 84.
Rankings Ramifications: Barring a bizarre loss from Oregon, Ohio State will stay put at fourth. Wisconsin will likely fall out of the Top 25.
But Did They Cover? Ohio State was a seven-point favorite, so it’s a push.
For More On This Game: For the Ohio State perspective, head to Land-Grant Holy Land. For the Wisconsin impression of the game, check out Bucky’s 5th Quarter.
Next Week’s Schedule: Ohio State travels to face their second-straight ranked team next week when they face Northwestern on the road. Wisconsin has a week off before hosting Northwestern themselves.
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