Buckeyes Survive OT Thriller

It wasn't the tune up for the annual showdown with Michigan that Ohio State and its fans expected, but for the Buckeyes, it ended well. Tyrrell Pigrome's overtime 2-point conversion pass intended for Jeshaun Jones fell incomplete and Ohio State survived with a 52-51 win.

Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) never led in regulation. The Buckeyes took their first lead in overtime on a 5-yard quarterback keep by Dwayne Haskins, his third rushing touchdown of the game. It put the Buckeyes ahead 52-45. On Maryland's possession, Tayon Fleet-Davis scored and coach Matt Canada elected to go for two and the win, but the incomplete pass gave the Buckeyes the victory by the narrowest of margins.

The victory kept the Buckeyes in the hunt for the Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff but on-going issues with the Buckeye defense were evident. Maryland running back Anthony McFarland scored on touchdown runs of 81 and 75 yards in the first quarter and finished with 298 yards on 21 carries. As a team Maryland gained 535 total yards, including 339 on the ground.

Haskins and the Buckeye offense bailed out the struggling defense. Ohio State gained 688 yards against Maryland with Haskins throwing for 405 yards and three touchdowns including a 3-yard strike to Ben Victor with :40 seconds left in regulation to tie the game. 

Haskins set two significant Ohio State passing records, breaking the single season mark for passing yards and touchdown passes. The star QB also used his legs, rushing for 59 yards and three scores including the overtime game winner.

Running back J.K. Dobbins had a productive day as well, rushing for 203 yards and a touchdown. 

The Buckeyes will play at home next Saturday against Michigan, with the Big Ten East Division title and a trip to the Big Ten championship game on the line.

Here are Urban Meyer's thoughts on the win, with the video courtesy of Bucknuts.com


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