Fansided

Ohio State Buckeyes defeat Virginia Tech Hokies 42-24: Braxton Miller shines

By Cody Williams

Sep 7, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ohio State Buckeyes dominated the second half to avoid another upset by the Virginia Tech Hokies

The Ohio State Buckeyes got off to a hot start in their 2015 season-opener against the Virginia Tech Hokies in Lane Stadium. Cardale Jones, who got the starting nod over J.T. Barrett for the Buckeyes, methodically led OSU down the field on their first drive and Ezekiel Elliott needed just one carry to break off an 80-yard touchdown run on the second drive. However, the Hokies and quarterback Michael Brewer were able to fight back and, after forcing some big turnovers, went into halftime up 17-14.

However, the fortunes quickly changed for the Hokies. Former OSU quarterback and new OSU wide receiver Braxton Miller started off the third quarter with a big touchdown catch down the sideline to give Ohio State the lead once again. Then Brewer was taken out of the game with a collarbone injury and it was basically over from that point. Miller continued to impress, including a spin move that destroyed a Hokies defensive back en route to a TD, and the Buckeyes offense cruised. As they cruised, the Virginia Tech offense sputtered without Brewer and the Hokies eventually fell into a hole they had no chance of climbing out of.

Three stars

1. Braxton Miller was phenomenal in his first game as a wide receiver/hybrid back. He finished the night with six carries for 62 yards and a touchdown to go with two catches for 78 yards and another score.

2. Ezekiel Elliott wasn’t as big of a factor as some may have expected, but he still finished with 11 carries for 122 yards and that 80-yard touchdown run on his first carry.

3. Cardale Jones got the start for the Buckeyes and didn’t disappoint. He finished the night going 9-18 for 186 yards and two touchdowns, one interception through the air and adding 13 carries for 99 yards and another touchdown on the ground.

Odds

Ohio State was favored by 14 points coming into this game, which looked in question in a major way at halftime. After their explosion in the second half, though, the Buckeyes covered the spread, even with a garbage time touchdown from the Hokies. The two teams also hit the over on the 52.5-point over/under.

Next Week

The defending National Champions and number one team in the nation in Ohio State will be at home next week against the 1-0 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 3:30 p.m. ET as they look to continue dominating.

As for the Hokies, they will be at home again next week on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 3:30 p.m. as well, taking on the Furman Paladins. Whether or not Michael Brewer will be able to play remains to be seen.

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