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.

Live Blog: #9 Ohio State vs. Minnesota

Join Inside The Shoe at 7:45 PM EST. We'll start the Live Blog, and you can join in then.

Who you got?: #9 Ohio State vs. Minnesota

The Buckeyes rolled the Boilermakers, and now head to TCF Bank Stadium for the first time, to take on the Golden Gophers. The Gophers haven't been good this season at all, and the Buckeyes are really starting to click on offense after the Wisconsin game.

Ian: 45-10, Ohio State - Without Tim Brewster, the Gophers don't even make it interesting in the 1st half. Eventually they will get on the board, but not before Pryor has at least 3-4 TD's.

SBB: 59-6, Ohio State -  Minny lost to Purdue, who OSU just beat handily. I Think Minny gets two FGs in garbage time, and Evil Jim reigns supreme, until the 4th quarter when he shifts his attention to the bye week and PSU. 

Brady: 48-6, Ohio State - Ohio St. will face another "opponent" in Minnesota at the sparkling new TCF Bank Stadium this weekend.  I look for an almost carbon copy of the Purdue game.  The Buckeyes will jump on the Gophers early and then take their foot off the gas in the second half. 


Danny: 45-7, Ohio State - Minnesota is not a good team, and Ohio State looked as fundamentally sound last week as any other time this season. Bigger question: Why is the 'Sonic Boom' nickname not catching on for Boom Herron???