OSU Last Week

OSU avoided its first loss to an Ohio team in 90 years, with a final score of 27-22 against the Toledo Rockets.

First Half
Ohio State scored on its first drive, with Bauserman passing to Jake Stonebrunner for a 26-yard touchdown. Toledo blocked an OSU punt and ran it back 22 yards. The talented Eric Page caught the first of his two touchdowns and Toledo converted the 2-point conversion to take the lead. Later in the first quarter backup QB Terrance Owens found the always dangerous Eric Page for a 66-yard touchdown pass. Bauserman drove the team down the field and Carlos Hyde scored his first career touchdown. OSU took the lead when backup Chris Fields returned the punt 69 yards for his first career touchdown before halftime.

Second Half
In the second half, Toledo took the lead with a rushing touchdown by Adonis Thomas. Ohio State scored once more with a run by Carlos Hyde, but Bauserman was unable to find a open receiver or run it in for the two point conversion, to put the score at 27-22. On OSU's next possession Rod Smith fumbled the ball and gave life to Toledo's offense in the closing minutes. Toledo drove the ball down, but was unable to convert fourth down at the OSU 16 yard line, and OSU ran down the clock to seal the victory. The young Buckeye team was put in tough situations with a gimicky and risky gameplan that worked for Toledo. Toledo played a great game and took advantage of many opportunities, but also shot itself in the foot with a large number of penalties.

General Notes from Game
The team was without the services of the suspended players, and defensive lineman Nathan Williams did not start the game. John Simon missed most of the game with cramps, but his play proved critical in the failed last drive by Toledo. The defense limited Toledo to 46 rushing yards, but allowed Toledo to pass for 292 yards. OSU kicker Drew Basil still has not hit a FG, as he missed his second attempt this season (three if you count the kick before the re-kick against Akron.) Rod Smith, the fifth string RB has fumbled twice in two games, once in the red zone and last week on a clock killing drive late in the fourth quarter. With Jordan Hall back, Smith will likely see less minutes. It is not clear whether Berry will spend anytime at RB this week.