Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott throws block of the year (video)

Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott busted off the block of the year during Braxton Miller’s incredible touchdown catch.

Even if you did not watch Monday night’s season opener between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Virginia Tech Hokies, chances are you have seen the now-famous spin move that sprung quarterback-turned wide receiver Braxton Miller free for his first career touchdown since making the switch to wideout.

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The play created a whirlwind of buzz around social media, as the spin move was anointed the play of the game before Miler even crossed the goal line. And rightfully so.

Miller had already earned All-Big 10 and Big 10 offensive player of the year honors during his illustrious career, and that was at the quarterback position. With this play, he announced to the nation that he is still one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the country, even if he is lining up at a new position.

What has been lost in the shuffle, however, has been a bone crushing block set by Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott that allowed Miller to breakaway for the 54-yard touchdown reception.

While this block may not be what is imprinted in the minds of fans, it is just as impressive.

Virginia Tech’s Deon Clark leaps over a fallen teammate, and is just steps behind the play, ready to make the tackle. Elliott had other plans in mind.

With Clark in mid-air, the Ohio State running back launches his body into the senior linebacker, carrying him completely out of the play and allowing his teammate to run free to the end zone.

The importance of this block cannot be understated, and not just because it resulted in a Buckeyes touchdown. When Miller made his lethal spin move, the football was extremely vulnerable. His right arm that was carrying the ball was completely exposed to Clark at the time, and could have very easily resulted in a fumble if not for Elliott’s block.

A turnover would have been crucial in tilting the momentum in Virginia Tech’s favor, and the Hokies would have taken the ball near midfield and up 17-14 after scoring 17 unanswered points.

Instead, Ohio State would close the game out on a 28-7 run and cruise to a 42-24 victory.

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Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott busted off the block of the year during Braxton Miller’s incredible touchdown catch.

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