Buckeyes Stomp Gophers, 52-10

Boom led the way all night.
AP Photo/Paul Battaglia 

On Halloween Eve, the Buckeyes came rolling into Minnesota coming off a win against Purdue, and still felt they had much to prove. Ohio State started a bit slow, taking a couple of minutes to get situated, and that left Minnesota a chance to strike, as they were able to keep it interesting through the beginning of the first quarter.


The Golden Gophers struggled in all areas, but nowhere more than the punting game. Dan Orseske's 10-yard punt just before halftime led to Ohio State's fourth touchdown of the half, and the Buckeyes also scored off a blocked punt and had a 70-yard punt return by Jordan Hall.


Two weeks ago, the Buckeyes lost to a good Badger team and have now come back in an offensive and defensive fashion outscoring Purdue and Minnesota combined 101-10, showing they're not ready to give up on making another BCS title game appearance just yet. Earlier today, Nebraska upset unbeaten Missouri while Iowa, (OSU plays them in 3 weeks), handed Michigan State their first loss, opening not only the Big Ten championship race, but also the BCS picture. Oregon and Utah were able to escape, but TCU and Utah play next week, so OSU will rise that much higher.

Things I noticed:


- Terrelle Pryor joined Art Schlichter and Bobby Hoying as the only Buckeyes with at least 7,000 yards of offense in their career. 


- Pryor also has 50 touchdown passes to tie Schlichter for fourth-most in school history.


- Ohio State has won eight straight against Minnesota and 24 of the last 25 meetings.


- Herron finished with 17 carries for 114 yards and 1 TD, while Pryor completed 18 of 22 for 222 yards, and 2 TD's

AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid

- Special teams was A LOT better this week. Just ask Jordan Hall


- The Buckeyes have a BYE week to group toghther and get ready for the always fun ride of Novemeber. Once again, like last year, this month will make or break on where the Buckeyes land as far as Big Ten and BCS goes. Anything can happen, so we need to win out. I'll be interested if the Buckeyes get jumped or not in the BCS Standings.