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Ohio State Vs. Minnesota Final Score: Buckeyes Weather Gophers 31-24

By Ted Schwerzler

Nov 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker De
Nov 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker De /
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With an opportunity to knock off the Ohio State Buckeyes in a pivotal college football matchup, the Minnesota Gophers fell 31-24 down the stretch.

The Minnesota Gophers welcomed the 8th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes into TCF Bank Stadium today in hopes of knocking off the toughest team in the Big Ten. Holding a 7-2 record with three tough games left, the Minnesota Gophers were looking for their statement victory, however the Buckeyes had other plans.

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Ohio State got out to an early 14-0 lead thanks to the poise of quarterback J.T. Barrett. Rushing for an 86 yard touchdown of his own as well as hitting Jalin Marshall for a 57 yard touchdown completion, it was the Buckeyes in command early.

Minnesota would answer back in the second quarter. Behind the strong running ability of back David Cobb, the Gophers would find the end zone on both five and 30 yard rushes. Knotted at 14, Ohio State and Minnesota were locked in a battle amidst the snow filled TCF Bank Stadium atmosphere.

Before the half came to a close, a Ryan Santoso 52 yard field goal miss would set up the Buckeyes with a field goal of their own. From 22 yards out, Sean Nuernberger would convert for Ohio State giving them a three point edge and 17-14 lead at the half.

Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes came out in the second half ready to prove their dominance. In the third quarter, Barrett hooked up with Michael Thomas for a 30 yard touchdown completion giving Ohio State a 24-14 advantage over the Gophers.

The Buckeyes would increase their lead in the 4th on a 22 yard touchdown reception from Barrett to Evan Spencer.

Minnesota would answer with a 12 yard touchdown run from Cobb, his third of the day, drawing the Gophers within 10 at 31-21. With only 7:08 remaining however, the deficit proved insurmountable as the Gophers were only able to add a 34 yard Ryan Santoso field goal en route to eventually falling 31-24 to the Buckeyes.

Once again, the Gophers were held back by the play of their quarterback Mitch Leidner. Down the stretch needing to close the gap, the Gophers had to rely on a kid who completed only 7 of 19 passes for 85 yards, including two completions to Ohio State.

David Cobb was once again impressive totaling 145 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries.

Minnesota will travel to Nebraska next weekend in search of their statement victory for the season.

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