10TV Sports Blog

The first half featured two quarters in stark contrast for Miami and Ohio State.

The RedHawks will likely lament the lack of point production, with at least two plays that could have been touchdowns ending in dropped passes.

Miami out-gained Ohio State 172-47 in the first quarter, and had a 3-0 lead after 15 minutes. The RedHawks also missed a field goal.

Quarterback Zac Dysert has been outstanding, completing 19 of 34 passes for an even 200 yards. He’s been hurt by his wide receivers, who have dropped several passes.

The Buckeye offense, sluggish and causing frayed nerves in Ohio Stadium, finally came to life in the second stanza. Running back Carlos Hyde’s 16-yard run was the catalyst. That drive ended with an absolutely phenomenal catch from Devin Smith on a 23-yard touchdown that put the Buckeyes up 7-3.

In that second quarter, Ohio State out-gained the RedHawks 297 to 38 in total offense. Braxton Miller has played well but still provided plenty of “teachable moments”. He has 288 yards of total offense, with 99 of it rushing. He’s also completed 12 of 21 passes for 189 yards and two scores.

Corey “Philly” Brown has one of those touchdown catches to go with 80 yards receiving on five receptions.

There was one interesting decision at the end of the half, from Urban Meyer and company. After Miller completed a 44 yard pass play to Evan Spencer, the Buckeyes had the ball at the one with three seconds left. Instead of taking a field goal shot that could have meant a 24-3 lead, the Bucks went for it. Hyde was stacked up, and we’re at 21-3 at the break.

We’ll be back with more after the game.