The Ohio State Buckeyes came into their first Big Ten Championship game with a trip to the Vizio BCS National Championship on the line. They faced the top defense in the nation and it showed early on. Michigan State jumped all over Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde for most of the first half. It seemed as though Ohio State was nervous early on and didn’t put all of their focus into the game. They had the emotion and desire to win, that was unquestionable.
Michigan State was red hot early on. On their first possession, the Spartans took advantage of an overly aggressive Ohio State defense, that was called for a pass interference play that helped set up an early field goal.
From there, it was an easy start for the Spartans as they torched the vulnerable Ohio State defense. Keith Mumphrey caught 72 yard touchdown pass from Connor Cook. Then, the Spartans scored again when Tony Lippett caught a 33 yard touchdown pass.
Braxton Miller and the Buckeyes eventually started to mount a comeback. Miller threw a touchdown pass to Corey Brown. Ohio State scored a field goal before halftime. The momentum shifted.
The Buckeyes dominated the third quarter, scoring 14 points. Miller ran for an eight yard touchdown. He followed that up with a six yard touchdown run.
However, the Spartans got the last laugh in the fourth quarter, stifling the Ohio State offense. The Buckeyes failed to score in the fourth quarter. The Spartans scored 14 points to defeat the Buckeyes 34-24.
The critics were right about the Buckeyes. They were not the dominant team so many Buckeye fans envisioned. Michigan State exploited the young Buckeyes defense all night. This was a major concern for many games this season.
Cook was stellar in this game as he passed for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Miller was ice cold, passing for 101 yards and one touchdown. He was on fire with the ground attack, rushing for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Hyde was equally as effective as he rushed for 118 yards.
National Championship and Rose Bowl
The Buckeyes lose out on their chance for the Vizio BCS National Championship. The Michigan State Spartans will advance to the Rose Bowl.
There is a possibility that Ohio State will advance to the Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, or Sugar Bowl.
The worst case scenario is that the Buckeyes will be in the Capital One Bowl.