2011 Ohio State Buckeyes football team
Encyclopedia
The 2011 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represents The Ohio State University
in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season
. The Buckeyes are coached
by Luke Fickell
on an interim basis following the resignation of Jim Tressel
as head coach. The Buckeyes play their home games at Ohio Stadium
in Columbus, Ohio
and are members of the Big Ten Conference
.
Amid significant adversity due to Tressel's abrupt departure and an NCAA investigation, the Buckeyes finished with their first non-winning season since 1999, at 6-6. They also finished 3-5 in the Big Ten, only their sixth losing record in conference play since the end of World War II
.
The first five games of the season will be played without the participation of five players: Terrelle Pryor
, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams
, Solomon Thomas, and Boom Herron were part of a scandal that involved selling memorabillia to the owner of a Columbus tattoo parlor. On March 8, 2011, it was reported that Tressel knew about it as early as April 2010 through an anonymous e-mail. As of result, Tressel received a two-game suspension for failing to notify authorities of the players' wrongdoings. Tressel later decided to sit out the first five games in order to allow him to face the adversity with the five players. On May 30, 2011, Tressel tendered his resignation from the head coaching position. Assistant head coach Luke Fickell, who was to take over during Tressel's suspension, was named interim head coach. On June 8, returning starting Quarterback Terrelle Pryor announced his intention to forgo his senior season, "in the best interest of [his] teammates," in light of his suspension and ongoing investigation by the NCAA.
(Running Back) - Green Bay Packers
Dane Sanzenbacher
(Wide Receiver) - Chicago Bears
Justin Boren
(Offensive Lineman) - Baltimore Ravens
Bryant Browning (Offensive Lineman) - St. Louis Rams
Jake McQuaide (Long Snapper) - St. Louis Rams
Dexter Larimore (Defensive Tackle) - New Orleans Saints
Devon Torrence
(Cornerback) - Minnesota Vikings
8 Aaron Grant (Safety)
12 Devin Barclay (Kicker)
17 Grant Schwartz (Wide Receiver)
55 Andy Miller (Offensive Lineman)
57 Chris Malone (Offensive Lineman)
72 Scott Sika (Offensive Lineman)
73 Josh Kerr (Offensive Lineman)
77 Connor Smith (Offensive Lineman)
81 Ricky Crawford (Tight End)
89 Garrett Hummel (Tight End)
95 Don Matheney (Defensive Lineman)
- Junior Quarterback (NFL Supplemental Draft - Third Round to the Oakland Raiders
)
Dorian Bell - Redshirt Sophomore Linebacker (Duquesne University
)
James Louis - Redshirt Freshman Wide Receiver (Florida International University
)
James Jackson - Redshirt Sophomore Wide Receiver (Grand Valley State University
)
. Both teams struggled on offense through the first quarter, with the score only amounting to 7–0 Ohio State. Midway through the second quarter, the Buckeyes put together a 12 play drive that resulted in a Bauserman to Jake Stoneburner touchdown pass, increasing the Buckeyes lead to 14–0. Before the end of the half, Ohio State was able to score another touchdown on a Bauserman to Stoneburner pass, and going into halftime Ohio State led 21–0. The heat throughout the game caused problems not only for the players, but also for the referees, band members, and fans in attendance with temperatures reaching almost 100° F. The second half saw another big offensive start with the third touchdown pass from Bauserman to Stoneburner, advancing the Buckeyes lead to 28–0. Throughout the rest of the second half, freshman Braxton Miller
took most of the offensive snaps at quarterback, compiling 1 touchdown pass along with 130 yard, compared to Bauserman's 163. Ohio State won the game 42–0, their first shutout since October 23, 2010 against Purdue. Ohio State opened their 2011 season 1–0, and giving Fickell his first win as the Ohio State head coach.
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who they faced in the 2010 season, as well as the 2003 Fiesta Bowl
, beating them both times. The game did not start well for the Buckeyes, with a bad opening offensive drive, giving Miami good field position. The Hurricanes quickly drove down the field 63 yards and scored their first points of the game on a Jacory Harris
touchdown pass. Later in the quarter, Miami again drove down the field for another Harris touchdown pass, giving the Hurricanes a 14–0 lead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw the momentum swing in favor of Ohio State, with two drives heading deep into Miami territory, however, once in the red zone, the Buckeyes were unable to capitalize and had to settle for two short range field goals by Drew Basil, bringing them closer in the games and giving Miami only a 14–6 lead. However a field goal at the end of the first half gave Miami a two-possession lead heading into halftime. The second half of the game saw little offense, with both the Buckeyes' defense dominating the Hurricanes and keeping them out of Ohio State territory, as well at the Buckeye offense continuing to struggle to get any kind of rhythm. Miami was able to score a touchdown with 0:33 remaining in the game, giving them a 24–6 lead—the final score of the game. The game was the first non-conference loss since the September 12, 2009 loss against the University of Southern California.
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
4th Quarter
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. For the first time during the season, freshman quarterback Braxton Miller
received the start, only the third time Ohio State started a freshman at that position. The second offensive drive of the first quarter saw the Buckeyes move the ball 43 yards down the field and score on a Jordan Hall touchdown run. A Drew Basil field goal later on in the quarter gave Ohio State a 10–0 lead early on in the game. Colorado's special teams, as well as the amount of penalties which they drew, allowed Ohio State to have relatively good field position throughout the game, averaging a start around their 50 yard line. Ohio State took advantage of the field position with a touchdown pass from Miller to Devin Smith, giving Ohio State a 17–0 lead. Colorado eventually drove down the field on their next possession and scored on an 11 yard touchdown reception, narrowing the score to 17–7. A field goal before the end of the half allowed Ohio State to go into the locker room with a 20-7 lead. The third quarter saw a back and forth between the both teams, with Ohio State still dominating. Another Miller to Smith touchdown reception put Ohio State up 27–7, while Colorado continued to stay in the game with an Oliver field goal. Basil would kick a field goal to end the third quarter, as well as starting the fourth, and gave Ohio State a 37–10 lead late in the game. A late Colorado touchdown was the last score of the game, as the favored Buckeyes beat Colorado 37–17, rebounding after their previous week's loss to Miami, as Ohio State moved to 3–1 on the season.
1st Quarter
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, the Ohio State Buckeyes opened their 2011 Big Ten Conference
campaign against the Michigan State Spartans
. Both teams were unable to score on their opening possessions of the ballgame. However, on a Kirk Cousins
33 pass B.J. Cunningham, the Spartans were able to score a touchdown and take a 7–0 lead on Ohio State. Throughout the first quarter both teams would trade field position as both defenses stepped up to the occasion to stop the opposing team. Michigan State found themselves deep in Ohio State territory late in the second quarter, however, an interception by Cousin, one of three Michigan State turnovers on the day, would allow Ohio State to enter half time only down by a score of 7–0. The rain and windy condition made the game much more of a defensive battle than expected. Throughout the third quarter and the rest of the second half, both team continued to trade field position and come up with great defensive drives. A missed 51 yard field goal by Dan Conroy allowed the Buckeyes and their struggling offensive to have a shot at tying the game up, or getting on the board, however, with a new starter in Joe Bauserman
, to replace Braxton Miller
, Ohio State was unable to move the ball. Michigan State extended their lead by 3 with a 50 yard field goal from Conroy, giving the Spartans a 10–0 advantage. A late touchdown by the Buckeyes would do little to help their effort as Ohio State went on to lose the game 10–7. This was Ohio State's first 0–1 start in Big Ten play since 2004
, as well as their first loss to Michigan State since 1999
.
1st Quarter
4th Quarter
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to Jake Stoneburner touchdown at the end of the quarter gave Ohio State a 10–3 lead and the momentum. The second quarter continued the Ohio State dominance with a 63 yard touchdown run from Carlos Hyde and an exchange of field goals between the two teams, allowing the Buckeyes to go into halftime with a 20–6 lead. The second half of the game began very well for the Buckeyes with another Hyde touchdown, giving Ohio State their largest lead at 27–6. However, a Braxton Miller fumble, which allowed Nebraska to score their first touchdown of the game in the third quarter, as well as an ankle injury by Miller, eventually gave the Cornhuskers the momentum back down the stretch of the game. Another Nebraska touchdown at the end of the third quarter allowed the Cornhuskers to cut it to a 10 point game, 27–20, going into the fourth quarter. Two fourth quarter touchdowns, both by Rex Burkhead, allowed Nebraska to receive their first lead of the night, pushing them to the victory, and the largest comeback in school history. With the loss, Ohio State dropped to 3–3 and 0–2 in the Big Ten
for the first time since the 1988 season
.
1st Quarter
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----
coming off two consecutive losses for the first time since the 2004 season
. As with the last game against Nebraska, Ohio State opened the game with a primarily running attack on their first drive, with the return of star running back Dan Herron from suspension. Ohio State began the game with a Drew Basil 43 yard field goal, giving them a 3–0 lead. Throughout the rest of the first half, both teams would exchange field position and punts with no more scoring or offensive production coming from either team. Going into halftime, Ohio State still held a 3–0 lead, with Illinois receiving the ball first in the second half. An interception by Ohio State early on in the third quarter, set up Ohio State inside the Illinois red-zone, and the eventual Herron touchdown. After no more scoring throughout the third quarter, Ohio State went into the fourth quarter with only a 10–0 lead. An early touchdown pass from Braxton Miller
to Jake Stoneburner gave Ohio State their largest lead at 17–0. Following the touchdown, a very long, 16 play drive by Illinois, which resulted in a touchdown, ended the Ohio State shutout thus far, and put Illinois back in the game. A few defensive stops, coupled with the offense running down the clock, clinched the victory for the Buckeyes. With the victory, Ohio State moved to 4–3 on the season and 1–2 in the Big Ten
, their first Big Ten victory of the season.
1st Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
----
giving Wisconsin an early 7–0 lead. Led on many parts by the mistakes of the Badgers, the Buckeyes were able to penetrate Wisconsin's side of the field, especially late in the second quarter, where a Drew Basil field goal cut the Wisconsin lead to 7–3 going into halftime. With the opening of the third quarter, Braxton Miller
and the Ohio State offense were able to drive down the field, capped off with a 1 yard touchdown run from Miller, which gave the Buckeyes their first lead of the night at 10–7. After a Wisconsin blocked punt on their next possession, Ohio State was able to drive the ball into the end zone again with a Jordan Hall two yard run and gave Ohio State a 17–7 lead. Wisconsin quickly responded with the next drive and the ensuing touchdown from Ball, his second on the day, cut the game back down to a 17–14 affair. Ohio State held the lead going into the fourth quarter and quickly was able to increase their lead with another Basil field goal. As the quarter quickly ticked away, Miller was able to break away on a quarterback run and go in for the touchdown. With the fail two-point conversion, Ohio State firmly held a 26–14 lead with a little under five minutes remaining in the game. Wisconsin quickly drove down the field to score a touchdown in only 0:58 cutting the Ohio State lead to 29–26. With Ohio State unproductive on their ensuing possession, Wisconsin received the ball back and again drove down the field quickly to score, in only 1:18, with their two-point conversion good. Ohio State trailed 33–29, and with a short field to work with, Miller and the offense took the field. With a little under forty seconds remaining in the game, Miller completed a 40 yard touchdown pass Devin Smith, and sealed the victory for Ohio State. With the win, the Buckeyes put themselves into position to earn a trip to the inaugural Big Ten championship game
and moved to 2–2 in the Big Ten, after starting 0–2.
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
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4th Quarter
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quickly cut down the Indiana lead with an 81 yard touchdown run, one of the longest by runs by a quarterback in Ohio State history. Heading into the second quarter Indiana still held a 10–7, however two Drew Basil field goals allowed the Buckeyes to take their first lead of the day at 13–10. With 4:30 remaining in the first half, Indiana was able to capitalize and kick a 25 yard field goal, tying the game at 13–13 going into halftime. Dan Herron made his presence known again in the game quickly to start the third quarter with a 15 yard touchdown run, giving Ohio State the lead back at 20–13. However, the back-and-forth match continued at Indiana drove down the field to score a touchdown in response on a Robertson to Hughes reception. Another Miller touchdown run would give Ohio State the 27–20 lead going into the fourth quarter, as well as the momentum. Led by the defense, Ohio State was able to rally in the fourth quarter and allowed Ohio State the get the sealing touchdown with a little over two minutes remaining in the game, which gave the Buckeyes the 34–20 lead and improved their record to 6–3 on the season.
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
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Overtime
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team with aspirations of the Big Ten Championship Game. In the same fashion of the previous two games, Ohio State fell behind quickly in the game facing a 10–0 deficit following an early Stephfon Green touchdown run and a 43 yard field goal from Anthony Fera. Heading into the second quarter, Ohio State put together their first extended drive of the game, ending in a Braxton Miller
24 yard touchdown run cutting the Penn State lead to a 10–7 affair. Penn State returned the favor with a quick drive ending with another Green touchdown run, giving the Nittany Lions the 17–7 advantage midway through the second quarter. Later in the quarter, Ohio State was able to put together their second scoring drive of the game which consisted of only five plays and ended in a Jake Stoneburner touchdown reception. Penn State, however, was able to use the rest of the second quarter clock on a drive which put them into field goal position, Fera's 46 yard field goal was good, and allowed them to go into halftime with a 20–14, the eventual final score of the game. The second half was marred for Ohio State with the defense able to stop the Nittany Lions on the one yard line four times for a goal line stand, but also of two costly fumbles which would end an hope of a comeback drive. The last two quarters of the game saw no scoring and allowed Penn State to exit Ohio Stadium with the 20–14 win, their first win at Ohio State since 2008, bringing Ohio State's overall record to 6–5 on the season, and 3–4 in conference play.
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
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. The Buckeyes have won nine of the last ten games against their most hated rivals, but must adjust to coaching changes and off-field controversy if they hope to extend the streak. Michigan comes off of a 7–6 2010 season that ended with a loss to Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl. Michigan leads the all time series 57–43–6, but since World War I Michigan only holds a slight lead in the series at 44–43–4.
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...
in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season
2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season
The 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season, play of college football in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level, began on Thursday, September 1, 2011...
. The Buckeyes are coached
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
by Luke Fickell
Luke Fickell
-External links:*...
on an interim basis following the resignation of Jim Tressel
Jim Tressel
James Patrick Tressel is a gameday consultant for the Indianapolis Colts, and former collegiate football head coach at both The Ohio State University from 2001 to 2011 and at Youngstown State University from 1986 to 2000. Tressel is most notable for his time at Ohio State. He was hired by the...
as head coach. The Buckeyes play their home games at Ohio Stadium
Ohio Stadium
Ohio Stadium is the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team and is located on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. The stadium was added to the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service on March 22, 1974...
in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
and are members of the Big Ten Conference
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
.
Amid significant adversity due to Tressel's abrupt departure and an NCAA investigation, the Buckeyes finished with their first non-winning season since 1999, at 6-6. They also finished 3-5 in the Big Ten, only their sixth losing record in conference play since the end of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Previous season
Expectations were high in 2010 as Jim Tressel and Ohio State started the season ranked #2 and poised for another National Championship run. With #1 Alabama losing to South Carolina, Ohio State was voted #1 on October 10, 2010. However, the Buckeyes were defeated by #16 Wisconsin on October 16, effectively ending their hopes at a national championship bid. The OSU football season finished with the team posting a 12–1 record, which includes a 38–10 victory over Indiana that gave Tressel his 100th win at Ohio State and a 31–26 victory over #8 Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. 2010 resulted in a sixth straight conference title as well as securing a #5 final ranking.The first five games of the season will be played without the participation of five players: Terrelle Pryor
Terrelle Pryor
Terrelle Pryor is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2008−2010...
, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams
Mike Adams (offensive tackle)
Mike Adams is an American football offensive lineman. He currently attends The Ohio State University in his senior year. Adams is considered to be one of the best offensive tackles of his class....
, Solomon Thomas, and Boom Herron were part of a scandal that involved selling memorabillia to the owner of a Columbus tattoo parlor. On March 8, 2011, it was reported that Tressel knew about it as early as April 2010 through an anonymous e-mail. As of result, Tressel received a two-game suspension for failing to notify authorities of the players' wrongdoings. Tressel later decided to sit out the first five games in order to allow him to face the adversity with the five players. On May 30, 2011, Tressel tendered his resignation from the head coaching position. Assistant head coach Luke Fickell, who was to take over during Tressel's suspension, was named interim head coach. On June 8, returning starting Quarterback Terrelle Pryor announced his intention to forgo his senior season, "in the best interest of [his] teammates," in light of his suspension and ongoing investigation by the NCAA.
2011 NFL Draft Class
| Round | Pick # | Team | Player | Position |
| 1 | 31 | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
Cameron Heyward Cameron Heyward -Pittsburgh Steelers:Heyward was drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.On July 29, 2011, Heyward signed a four-year deal with an option of a fifth year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers... |
Defensive End |
| 4 | 16 | Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
Chimdi Chekwa Chimdi Chekwa -External links:*... |
Cornerback |
| 5 | 27 | St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
Jermale Hines Jermale Hines Jermale Hines is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft... |
Safety |
| 6 | 28 | Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
Brian Rolle Brian Rolle -Philadelphia Eagles:Rolle was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team on July 27, 2011.-Personal:... |
Linebacker |
| 6 | 35 | Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
Ross Homan Ross Homan Ross Homan is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft... |
Linebacker |
Undrafted Seniors who signed with an NFL Team
Brandon SaineBrandon Saine
Brandon Croft Saine is an American football running back for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football at Ohio State University. He played high school football and ran track for the Piqua Indians...
(Running Back) - Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
Dane Sanzenbacher
Dane Sanzenbacher
Dane Sanzenbacher is an American football wide receiver for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football at Ohio State.-High school career:...
(Wide Receiver) - Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
Justin Boren
Justin Boren
Justin Matthew Boren is an American football offensive guard for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He has played guard and center during his high school and college football career...
(Offensive Lineman) - Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
Bryant Browning (Offensive Lineman) - St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
Jake McQuaide (Long Snapper) - St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
Dexter Larimore (Defensive Tackle) - New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
Devon Torrence
Devon Torrence
Devon Torrence is an American football cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2011...
(Cornerback) - Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
Unsigned Seniors
5 Taurian Washington (Wide Receiver)8 Aaron Grant (Safety)
12 Devin Barclay (Kicker)
17 Grant Schwartz (Wide Receiver)
55 Andy Miller (Offensive Lineman)
57 Chris Malone (Offensive Lineman)
72 Scott Sika (Offensive Lineman)
73 Josh Kerr (Offensive Lineman)
77 Connor Smith (Offensive Lineman)
81 Ricky Crawford (Tight End)
89 Garrett Hummel (Tight End)
95 Don Matheney (Defensive Lineman)
NFL Draft early entries
Terrelle PryorTerrelle Pryor
Terrelle Pryor is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2008−2010...
- Junior Quarterback (NFL Supplemental Draft - Third Round to the Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
)
Transfers out
Sam Longo - Redshirt Sophomore Offensive Lineman (Cincinnati University)Dorian Bell - Redshirt Sophomore Linebacker (Duquesne University
Duquesne University
Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne first opened its doors as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost in October 1878 with an enrollment of...
)
James Louis - Redshirt Freshman Wide Receiver (Florida International University
Florida International University
Florida International University is an American public research university in metropolitan Miami, Florida, in the United States, with its main campus in University Park...
)
James Jackson - Redshirt Sophomore Wide Receiver (Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University is a public liberal arts university located in Allendale, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1960, and its main campus is situated on approximately west of Grand Rapids...
)
Recruiting class
|}Schedule
Akron
The first game of the Luke Fickell era began with an opening drive defensive stop and a touchdown run by starting quarterback Joe BausermanJoe Bauserman
Joseph N. Bauserman is an American football quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.-High school career:...
. Both teams struggled on offense through the first quarter, with the score only amounting to 7–0 Ohio State. Midway through the second quarter, the Buckeyes put together a 12 play drive that resulted in a Bauserman to Jake Stoneburner touchdown pass, increasing the Buckeyes lead to 14–0. Before the end of the half, Ohio State was able to score another touchdown on a Bauserman to Stoneburner pass, and going into halftime Ohio State led 21–0. The heat throughout the game caused problems not only for the players, but also for the referees, band members, and fans in attendance with temperatures reaching almost 100° F. The second half saw another big offensive start with the third touchdown pass from Bauserman to Stoneburner, advancing the Buckeyes lead to 28–0. Throughout the rest of the second half, freshman Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.-High school career:Miller went to Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio. While there, he was named Mr. Football Award Finalist, and also competed in the UnderArmour All-American Game. He...
took most of the offensive snaps at quarterback, compiling 1 touchdown pass along with 130 yard, compared to Bauserman's 163. Ohio State won the game 42–0, their first shutout since October 23, 2010 against Purdue. Ohio State opened their 2011 season 1–0, and giving Fickell his first win as the Ohio State head coach.
1st Quarter
- OSU – (7:24) Bauserman 15 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 3:48. (Buckeyes 7–0)
2nd Quarter
- OSU – (5:45) Stoneburner 28 yard reception from Bauserman, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 5:35. (Buckeyes 14–0)
- OSU – (1:21) Stoneburner 11 yard reception from Bauserman, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 1:20. (Buckeyes 21–0)
3rd Quarter
- OSU – (10:57) Stoneburner 2 yard reception from Bauserman, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 4:03. (Buckeyes 28–0)
4th Quarter
- OSU – (14:26) Smith 14 yard reception from Miller, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 2:27. (Buckeyes 35–0)
- OSU – (5:51) Smith 2 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 38 yards, 1:35. (Buckeyes 42–0)
----
Toledo
Ohio State continued their 2011 season with a home match up against in-state foe Toledo. The game started out well for the Buckeyes, as it did with Akron the week before. Joe Bauserman completed a touchdown pass to Jake Stoneburner, his fourth touchdown reception of the year, and Ohio State quickly went up 7–0. However, throughout the rest of the first quarter, Toledo would dominate, with a blocked punt and an eventual touchdown resulting. A 66 yard reception by Eric Page allowed Toledo to take a 15–7 lead heading into the second quarter. Toledo committed 14 penalties on the day for 109 yard, allowing Ohio State to make big plays resulting and capitalize on plays which were broken up. Heading into the second quarter, Ohio State received the momentum back from Toledo, with a 36 touchdown run from Carlos Hyde and a 45 yard punt return from Chris Fields. After a sloppy first half by both teams, Ohio State went into halftime with a 21–15 lead. Ohio State again started off the second half slow, allowing the Rockets to score a touchdown on their opening drive of the half, and allowing them to take the lead again, 22–21. The one-point Toledo lead held up for most of the third quarter, until another touchdown run by Hyde, and a subsequently missed two-point conversion, gave Ohio State a five point, 27–22 lead. No more scoring took place during the rest of the game for both teams, with a defensive battle ensuing in the fourth quarter. The game came down to a final play, with a Toledo fourth and six on the Ohio State 17. Terrance Owens was unable to complete the pass, coming five yards short and the Buckeyes were able to escape with a victory, allowing them to go 2–0 on the season.1st Quarter
- OSU – (11:45) Stoneburner 26 yard reception from Bauserman, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:15. (Buckeyes 7–0)
- TOL – (7:07) Page 6 yard reception from Dantin, TOUCHDOWN. Keighley reception from Dantin two-point conversion is GOOD. Drive: 1 play, 1 yards, 0:06. (Rockets 8–7)
- TOL – (2:18) Page 66 yard reception from Owens, TOUCHDOWN. Casano extra point is GOOD. Drive: 2 plays, 70 yards, 0:53. (Rockets 15–7)
2nd Quarter
- OSU – (8:02) Hyde 36 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards, 1:34. (Rockets 15–14)
- OSU – (0:46) Fields 45 punt run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. (Buckeyes 21–15)
3rd Quarter
- TOL – (12:56) Thomas 4 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Casano extra point is GOOD. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 2:04. (Rockets 22–21)
- OSU – (3:17) Hyde 3 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Bauserman two-point is NO GOOD. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 2:45. (Buckeyes 27–22)
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Miami (Florida)
Ohio State's first road game of the season took them to south Florida for a rematch against the Miami Hurricanes2011 Miami Hurricanes football team
The 2011 Miami Hurricanes football team represents the University of Miami during the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Hurricanes are led by first year head coach Al Golden and play their home games at Sun Life Stadium...
who they faced in the 2010 season, as well as the 2003 Fiesta Bowl
2003 Fiesta Bowl
The 2003 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl took place on January 3,2003 in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil Stadium. The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Miami Hurricanes by a score of 31–24 in double overtime. It also served as the BCS National Championship Game for the 2002 NCAA Division I-A football season...
, beating them both times. The game did not start well for the Buckeyes, with a bad opening offensive drive, giving Miami good field position. The Hurricanes quickly drove down the field 63 yards and scored their first points of the game on a Jacory Harris
Jacory Harris
Jacory Sherrod Harris is an American football quarterback, in very loose terms, who played for the University of Miami Hurricanes....
touchdown pass. Later in the quarter, Miami again drove down the field for another Harris touchdown pass, giving the Hurricanes a 14–0 lead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw the momentum swing in favor of Ohio State, with two drives heading deep into Miami territory, however, once in the red zone, the Buckeyes were unable to capitalize and had to settle for two short range field goals by Drew Basil, bringing them closer in the games and giving Miami only a 14–6 lead. However a field goal at the end of the first half gave Miami a two-possession lead heading into halftime. The second half of the game saw little offense, with both the Buckeyes' defense dominating the Hurricanes and keeping them out of Ohio State territory, as well at the Buckeye offense continuing to struggle to get any kind of rhythm. Miami was able to score a touchdown with 0:33 remaining in the game, giving them a 24–6 lead—the final score of the game. The game was the first non-conference loss since the September 12, 2009 loss against the University of Southern California.
1st Quarter
- MIA – (12:47) Hurns 3 yard reception from Harris, TOUCHDOWN. Wieclaw extra point is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards, 1:19. (Hurricanes 7–0)
- MIA – (5:12) Hurns 3 yard reception from Harris, TOUCHDOWN. Wieclaw extra point is GOOD. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 5:58. (Hurricanes 14–0)
2nd Quarter
- OSU – (6:28) Basil 22 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 15 plays, 64 yards, 6:49. (Hurricanes 14–3)
- OSU – (3:40) Basil 24 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 16 yards, 1:56. (Hurricanes 14–6)
- MIA – (0:00) Wieclaw 25 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 3:40. (Hurricanes 17–6)
4th Quarter
- MIA – (0:33) James 1 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Wieclaw extra point is GOOD. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 8:48. (Hurricanes 24–6)
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Colorado
Ohio State came off their previous week's loss to Miami with a home game against the Colorado Buffaloes2011 Colorado Buffaloes football team
The 2011 Colorado Buffaloes football team represents the University of Colorado at Boulder in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team is coached by first year head coach Jon Embree, plays their home games in Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, and are members of the Pacific 12...
. For the first time during the season, freshman quarterback Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.-High school career:Miller went to Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio. While there, he was named Mr. Football Award Finalist, and also competed in the UnderArmour All-American Game. He...
received the start, only the third time Ohio State started a freshman at that position. The second offensive drive of the first quarter saw the Buckeyes move the ball 43 yards down the field and score on a Jordan Hall touchdown run. A Drew Basil field goal later on in the quarter gave Ohio State a 10–0 lead early on in the game. Colorado's special teams, as well as the amount of penalties which they drew, allowed Ohio State to have relatively good field position throughout the game, averaging a start around their 50 yard line. Ohio State took advantage of the field position with a touchdown pass from Miller to Devin Smith, giving Ohio State a 17–0 lead. Colorado eventually drove down the field on their next possession and scored on an 11 yard touchdown reception, narrowing the score to 17–7. A field goal before the end of the half allowed Ohio State to go into the locker room with a 20-7 lead. The third quarter saw a back and forth between the both teams, with Ohio State still dominating. Another Miller to Smith touchdown reception put Ohio State up 27–7, while Colorado continued to stay in the game with an Oliver field goal. Basil would kick a field goal to end the third quarter, as well as starting the fourth, and gave Ohio State a 37–10 lead late in the game. A late Colorado touchdown was the last score of the game, as the favored Buckeyes beat Colorado 37–17, rebounding after their previous week's loss to Miami, as Ohio State moved to 3–1 on the season.
1st Quarter
- OSU – (8:27) Hall 1 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:53. (Buckeyes 7–0)
- OSU – (4:49) Basil 28 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 5 plays, 11 yards, 1:39. (Buckeyes 10–0)
2nd Quarter
- OSU – (7:53) Smith 32 reception from Miller, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 3:10. (Buckeyes 17–0)
- COL – (2:44) Clemons 11 reception from Hansen, TOUCHDOWN. Oliver extra point is GOOD. Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 5:09. (Buckeyes 17–7)
- OSU – (0:03) Basil 18 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 1 plays, 9 yards, 0:09. (Buckeyes 20–7)
3rd Quarter
- OSU – (9:04) Smith 17 reception from Miller, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 3:21. (Buckeyes 27–7)
- COL – (4:47) Oliver 47 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 4:17. (Buckeyes 27–10)
- OSU – (4:29) Hyde 5 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 1 play, 5 yards, 0:18. (Buckeyes 34–10)
4th Quarter
- OSU – (11:42) Basil 47 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:55. (Buckeyes 37–10)
- COL – (3:31) McCulloch 14 reception from Hansen, TOUCHDOWN. Oliver extra point is GOOD. Drive: 13 plays, 91 yards, 5:04. (Buckeyes 37–17)
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Michigan State
On a cold rainy day in Columbus, OhioColumbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
, the Ohio State Buckeyes opened their 2011 Big Ten Conference
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
campaign against the Michigan State Spartans
2011 Michigan State Spartans football team
The 2011 Michigan State Spartans football team competes on behalf of Michigan State University in the Legends Division of the Big Ten Conference during the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Head coach Mark Dantonio is in his fifth season with the Spartans...
. Both teams were unable to score on their opening possessions of the ballgame. However, on a Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins
-College career:In 2007, newly hired Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio recruited Cousins to play for the Spartans. Cousins was redshirted for the 2007 season. In 2008, he spent the season as the back up quarterback to Brian Hoyer. He played in five games passing for a total of 310 yards and...
33 pass B.J. Cunningham, the Spartans were able to score a touchdown and take a 7–0 lead on Ohio State. Throughout the first quarter both teams would trade field position as both defenses stepped up to the occasion to stop the opposing team. Michigan State found themselves deep in Ohio State territory late in the second quarter, however, an interception by Cousin, one of three Michigan State turnovers on the day, would allow Ohio State to enter half time only down by a score of 7–0. The rain and windy condition made the game much more of a defensive battle than expected. Throughout the third quarter and the rest of the second half, both team continued to trade field position and come up with great defensive drives. A missed 51 yard field goal by Dan Conroy allowed the Buckeyes and their struggling offensive to have a shot at tying the game up, or getting on the board, however, with a new starter in Joe Bauserman
Joe Bauserman
Joseph N. Bauserman is an American football quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.-High school career:...
, to replace Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.-High school career:Miller went to Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio. While there, he was named Mr. Football Award Finalist, and also competed in the UnderArmour All-American Game. He...
, Ohio State was unable to move the ball. Michigan State extended their lead by 3 with a 50 yard field goal from Conroy, giving the Spartans a 10–0 advantage. A late touchdown by the Buckeyes would do little to help their effort as Ohio State went on to lose the game 10–7. This was Ohio State's first 0–1 start in Big Ten play since 2004
2004 Ohio State Buckeyes football team
The 2004 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 2004-2005. The team's head football coach was Jim Tressel. The Buckeyes played their home games at Ohio Stadium. The team finished the season with a record of 8-4, and a Big Ten...
, as well as their first loss to Michigan State since 1999
1999 Ohio State Buckeyes football team
The 1999 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 1999-2000. The Buckeyes compiled a 6–6 record, failing to go to a bowl game for the first time since the 1988 season, John Cooper's first year as head coach.-Schedule:-2000 NFL...
.
1st Quarter
- MSU – (7:44) Cunningham 33 yard reception from Cousins, TOUCHDOWN. Conroy extra point is GOOD. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 2:18. (Spartans 7–0)
4th Quarter
- MSU – (10:35) Conroy 50 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:15. (Spartans 10–0)
- OSU – (0:10) Spencer 33 yard reception from Bauserman, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 1:41. (Spartans 10–7)
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Nebraska
In the first match up between the Buckeyes and Cornhuskers since the 1950's, Ohio State when into Lincoln hoping to win and rebound after their previous week's loss to Michigan State. Ohio State struggling offense came out with some fire, driving down the field on their first drive for a Drew Basil field goal, giving Ohio State an early 3–0. With Nebraska kicking a field goal a few minutes later, the game was tied midway through the first quarter at 3–3. A Braxton MillerBraxton Miller
Braxton Miller is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.-High school career:Miller went to Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio. While there, he was named Mr. Football Award Finalist, and also competed in the UnderArmour All-American Game. He...
to Jake Stoneburner touchdown at the end of the quarter gave Ohio State a 10–3 lead and the momentum. The second quarter continued the Ohio State dominance with a 63 yard touchdown run from Carlos Hyde and an exchange of field goals between the two teams, allowing the Buckeyes to go into halftime with a 20–6 lead. The second half of the game began very well for the Buckeyes with another Hyde touchdown, giving Ohio State their largest lead at 27–6. However, a Braxton Miller fumble, which allowed Nebraska to score their first touchdown of the game in the third quarter, as well as an ankle injury by Miller, eventually gave the Cornhuskers the momentum back down the stretch of the game. Another Nebraska touchdown at the end of the third quarter allowed the Cornhuskers to cut it to a 10 point game, 27–20, going into the fourth quarter. Two fourth quarter touchdowns, both by Rex Burkhead, allowed Nebraska to receive their first lead of the night, pushing them to the victory, and the largest comeback in school history. With the loss, Ohio State dropped to 3–3 and 0–2 in the Big Ten
2011 Big Ten Conference football season
The 2011 Big Ten Conference football season is the 116th and current season for the Big Ten. The conference started its season on Saturday, September 3, as each of the conference’s teams began their respective 2011 season of NCAA Division I FBS competition...
for the first time since the 1988 season
1988 Ohio State Buckeyes football team
The 1988 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 1987-1988. It was the first season for head coach John Cooper. The Buckeyes played their home games in Ohio Stadium...
.
1st Quarter
- OSU – (7:16) Basil 41 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 13 plays, 56 yards, 7:44. (Buckeyes 3–0)
- NEB – (5:15) Maher 50 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 2:01. (3–3)
- OSU – (1:51) Stoneburner 32 reception from Miller, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:24. (Buckeyes 10–3)
2nd Quarter
- OSU – (12:46) Hyde 63 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 1 play, 59 yards, 0:10. (Buckeyes 17–3)
- NEB – (2:44) Maher 34 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 3:43. (Buckeyes 17–6)
- OSU – (0:00) Basil 35 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 2 plays, 29 yards, 0:15. (Buckeyes 20–6)
3rd Quarter
- OSU – (10:53) Hyde 1 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:02. (Buckeyes 27–6)
- NEB – (7:23) Martinez 18 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Maher extra point is GOOD. Drive: 2 plays, 24 yards, 0:31. (Buckeyes 27–13)
- NEB – (1:44) Enunwa 36 yard reception from Martinez, TOUCHDOWN. Maher extra point is GOOD. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:37. (Buckeyes 27–20)
4th Quarter
- NEB – (7:35) Burkhead 30 yard reception from Martinez, TOUCHDOWN. Maher extra point is GOOD. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 2:51. (27–27)
- NEB – (5:10) Burkhead 17 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Maher extra point is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 78 yards, 1:19. (Cornhuskers 34–27)
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Illinois
Ohio State came into the season match up with the undefeated Illinois Fighting Illini2011 Illinois Fighting Illini football team
The 2011 Illinois Fighting Illini football team is representing the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign in the 2011 college football season. The Fighting Illini, who were led by seventh-year head coach Ron Zook, are members of the Big Ten Conference and are playing their home games at...
coming off two consecutive losses for the first time since the 2004 season
2004 Ohio State Buckeyes football team
The 2004 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 2004-2005. The team's head football coach was Jim Tressel. The Buckeyes played their home games at Ohio Stadium. The team finished the season with a record of 8-4, and a Big Ten...
. As with the last game against Nebraska, Ohio State opened the game with a primarily running attack on their first drive, with the return of star running back Dan Herron from suspension. Ohio State began the game with a Drew Basil 43 yard field goal, giving them a 3–0 lead. Throughout the rest of the first half, both teams would exchange field position and punts with no more scoring or offensive production coming from either team. Going into halftime, Ohio State still held a 3–0 lead, with Illinois receiving the ball first in the second half. An interception by Ohio State early on in the third quarter, set up Ohio State inside the Illinois red-zone, and the eventual Herron touchdown. After no more scoring throughout the third quarter, Ohio State went into the fourth quarter with only a 10–0 lead. An early touchdown pass from Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.-High school career:Miller went to Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio. While there, he was named Mr. Football Award Finalist, and also competed in the UnderArmour All-American Game. He...
to Jake Stoneburner gave Ohio State their largest lead at 17–0. Following the touchdown, a very long, 16 play drive by Illinois, which resulted in a touchdown, ended the Ohio State shutout thus far, and put Illinois back in the game. A few defensive stops, coupled with the offense running down the clock, clinched the victory for the Buckeyes. With the victory, Ohio State moved to 4–3 on the season and 1–2 in the Big Ten
2011 Big Ten Conference football season
The 2011 Big Ten Conference football season is the 116th and current season for the Big Ten. The conference started its season on Saturday, September 3, as each of the conference’s teams began their respective 2011 season of NCAA Division I FBS competition...
, their first Big Ten victory of the season.
1st Quarter
- OSU – (9:04) Basil 43 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:56. (Buckeyes 3–0)
3rd Quarter
- OSU – (14:06) Herron 12 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 1 play, 12 yards, 0:07. (Buckeyes 10–0)
4th Quarter
- OSU – (13:06) Stoneburner 17 yard reception from Miller, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 3 plays, 22 yards, 1:14. (Buckeyes 17–0)
- ILL – (6:22) Wilson 3 yard reception from Scheelhaase, TOUCHDOWN. Dimke extra point is GOOD. Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards, 6:44. (Buckeyes 17–7)
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Wisconsin
Ohio State entered their 2011 homecoming game following a bye week, with their opponent being the Wisconsin Badgers, who were the only team to defeat the Buckeyes in the 2010 season. The game opened with neither team scoring on their opening possession. Wisconsin's high powered run and pass attack struck first midway through the first quarter with a touchdown reception from Montee BallMontee Ball
Montee Ball is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-College career:Ball began the 2010 season as the backup running back to John Clay, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year...
giving Wisconsin an early 7–0 lead. Led on many parts by the mistakes of the Badgers, the Buckeyes were able to penetrate Wisconsin's side of the field, especially late in the second quarter, where a Drew Basil field goal cut the Wisconsin lead to 7–3 going into halftime. With the opening of the third quarter, Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.-High school career:Miller went to Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio. While there, he was named Mr. Football Award Finalist, and also competed in the UnderArmour All-American Game. He...
and the Ohio State offense were able to drive down the field, capped off with a 1 yard touchdown run from Miller, which gave the Buckeyes their first lead of the night at 10–7. After a Wisconsin blocked punt on their next possession, Ohio State was able to drive the ball into the end zone again with a Jordan Hall two yard run and gave Ohio State a 17–7 lead. Wisconsin quickly responded with the next drive and the ensuing touchdown from Ball, his second on the day, cut the game back down to a 17–14 affair. Ohio State held the lead going into the fourth quarter and quickly was able to increase their lead with another Basil field goal. As the quarter quickly ticked away, Miller was able to break away on a quarterback run and go in for the touchdown. With the fail two-point conversion, Ohio State firmly held a 26–14 lead with a little under five minutes remaining in the game. Wisconsin quickly drove down the field to score a touchdown in only 0:58 cutting the Ohio State lead to 29–26. With Ohio State unproductive on their ensuing possession, Wisconsin received the ball back and again drove down the field quickly to score, in only 1:18, with their two-point conversion good. Ohio State trailed 33–29, and with a short field to work with, Miller and the offense took the field. With a little under forty seconds remaining in the game, Miller completed a 40 yard touchdown pass Devin Smith, and sealed the victory for Ohio State. With the win, the Buckeyes put themselves into position to earn a trip to the inaugural Big Ten championship game
Big Ten Football Championship Game
The Big Ten Football Championship Game is a college football game that will be held by the Big Ten Conference each year to determine the conference's season champion. The inaugural game will be held on December 3, 2011. The games during the next two seasons will be held on December 1, 2012 and...
and moved to 2–2 in the Big Ten, after starting 0–2.
1st Quarter
- WIS – (6:58) Ball 22 yard reception from Wilson, TOUCHDOWN. Welch extra point is GOOD. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 3:10. (Badgers 7–0)
2nd Quarter
- OSU – (2:55) Basil 39 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 10 plays, 31 yards, 5:46. (Badgers 7–3)
3rd Quarter
- OSU – (12:00) Miller 1 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:00. (Buckeyes 10–7)
- OSU – (9:26) Hall 2 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 3 plays, 1 yard, 1:10. (Buckeyes 17–7)
- WIS – (4:23) Ball 1 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Welch extra point is GOOD. Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 3:21. (Buckeyes 17–14)
4th Quarter
- OSU – (10:39) Basil 22 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 3:54. (Buckeyes 20–14)
- OSU – (4:39) Miller 44 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Two-point conversion failed. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 3:25. (Buckeyes 26–14)
- WIS – (3:48) Abbrederis 17 yard reception from Wilson, TOUCHDOWN. Welch extra point is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 0:44. (Buckeyes 26–21)
- WIS – (1:18) Abbrederis 17 yard reception from Wilson, TOUCHDOWN. Two-point conversion is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 1:18. (Badgers 29–26)
- OSU – (0:20) Smith 40 yard reception from Miller, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 0:50. (Buckeyes 33–29)
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Indiana
After the Buckeyes victory of Wisconsin, Ohio State remained at home to face an intra-divisional team in the Indiana Hoosiers. Ohio State began the game slowly, allowing an Indiana field goal, quickly followed by a five yard touchdown run within the first ten minutes of the game, giving the Hoosiers a 10–0 lead. On the next possession, Braxton MillerBraxton Miller
Braxton Miller is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.-High school career:Miller went to Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio. While there, he was named Mr. Football Award Finalist, and also competed in the UnderArmour All-American Game. He...
quickly cut down the Indiana lead with an 81 yard touchdown run, one of the longest by runs by a quarterback in Ohio State history. Heading into the second quarter Indiana still held a 10–7, however two Drew Basil field goals allowed the Buckeyes to take their first lead of the day at 13–10. With 4:30 remaining in the first half, Indiana was able to capitalize and kick a 25 yard field goal, tying the game at 13–13 going into halftime. Dan Herron made his presence known again in the game quickly to start the third quarter with a 15 yard touchdown run, giving Ohio State the lead back at 20–13. However, the back-and-forth match continued at Indiana drove down the field to score a touchdown in response on a Robertson to Hughes reception. Another Miller touchdown run would give Ohio State the 27–20 lead going into the fourth quarter, as well as the momentum. Led by the defense, Ohio State was able to rally in the fourth quarter and allowed Ohio State the get the sealing touchdown with a little over two minutes remaining in the game, which gave the Buckeyes the 34–20 lead and improved their record to 6–3 on the season.
1st Quarter
- IND – (10:47) Ewald 35 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 11 plays, 42 yards, 4:13. (Hoosiers 3–0)
- IND – (7:17) Houston 5 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Ewald extra point is GOOD. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 2:13. (Hoosiers 10–0)
- OSU – (5:58) Miller 81 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 2 plays, 79 yards, 1:14. (Hoosiers 10–7)
2nd Quarter
- OSU – (14:07) Basil 36 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 4:46. (10–10)
- OSU – (8:43) Basil 45 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 2:47. (Buckeyes 13–10)
- IND – (4:30) Ewald 25 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 4:13. (13–13)
3rd Quarter
- OSU – (10:05) Herron 15 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 1:46. (Buckeyes 20–13)
- IND – (6:56) Hughes 34 yard reception from Roberson, TOUCHDOWN. Ewald extra point is GOOD. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:02. (20–20)
- OSU – (0:09) Miller 20 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:47. (Buckeyes 27–20)
4th Quarter
- OSU – (2:41) Hyde 2 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 58 yards, 1:26. (Buckeyes 34–20)
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Purdue
In their first visit to West Lafayette since their 2009 loss, the Buckeyes looked for their fourth straight win and first at Ross–Ade Stadium since 2007. The game started for the Buckeyes like the previous week's match up versus Indiana. A 19 yard field goal from Wiggs and four yard touchdown run gave Purdue a 10–0 lead which they held through the entirety of the first quarter. A 38 yard touchdown reception from Miller to Hall gave the Buckeyes some offensive spark as they cut the score down to 10–7. However, another Purdue touchdown would give Purdue a commanding 17–7 lead with 3:19 left in the second quarter, a lead which they would take into halftime. With the Ohio State defense making crucial stops in the second half, Ohio State was able to get the ball back and score on their first possession in the second half with a 6 yard Braxton Miller touchdown run, giving Purdue now only a 17–14 lead. While both teams struggled with their offense, it would be Purdue who added to their lead with an 44 yard field goal, and extending their lead to 20–14. Ohio State was not able to get close to a score for most of the fourth quarter, however a long drive at the end of the quarter saw a Miller pass to Hall for a touchdown, tying the game at 20–20. However, with a Drew Basil blocked extra point, the game remained tied and headed into overtime. The Ohio State offense continued to struggle on their overtime possession only able to come up with a field goal, which gave them their first lead of the game at 23–20. The Buckeyes defense, taking the field next was unable to stop the Purdue running attack and eventually allowed a touchdown from the one yard line to end the game and give the Boilermakers the 26–23 win. With the loss, Ohio State dropped to 6–4, losing at least four games in a season for the first time since 2004, and making the road to the Big Ten Championship Game much harder if not impossible with a 3–3 Big Ten record.1st Quarter
- PUR – (10:30) Wiggs 19 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 3:13. (Boilermakers 3–0)
- PUR – (4:09) Shavers 4 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Wiggs extra point is GOOD. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 4:03. (Boilermakers 10–0)
2nd Quarter
- OSU – (11:42) Hall 38 yard reception from Miller, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:05. (Boilermakers 10–7)
- PUR – (3:19) Bolden 7 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Wiggs extra point is GOOD. Drive: 13 plays, 88 yards, 5:23. (Boilermakers 17–7)
3rd Quarter
- OSU – (9:42) Miller 6 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:52. (Boilermakers 17–14)
4th Quarter
- PUR – (13:06) Wiggs 44 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 1:39. (Boilermakers 20–14)
- OSU – (0:55) Hall 13 yard pass from Miller, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is NO GOOD. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 5:20. (20–20)
Overtime
- OSU – Basil 33 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards. (Buckeyes 23–20)
- PUR – Marve 1 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards. (Boilermakers 26–23)
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Penn State
Ohio State entered their 2011 senior day with a 6–4 record, facing a Penn State Nittany Lions2011 Penn State Nittany Lions football team
The 2011 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represent the Pennsylvania State University in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Joe Paterno for the first nine games until he was fired in the wake of the Penn State sex abuse scandal, with defensive coordinator...
team with aspirations of the Big Ten Championship Game. In the same fashion of the previous two games, Ohio State fell behind quickly in the game facing a 10–0 deficit following an early Stephfon Green touchdown run and a 43 yard field goal from Anthony Fera. Heading into the second quarter, Ohio State put together their first extended drive of the game, ending in a Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.-High school career:Miller went to Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio. While there, he was named Mr. Football Award Finalist, and also competed in the UnderArmour All-American Game. He...
24 yard touchdown run cutting the Penn State lead to a 10–7 affair. Penn State returned the favor with a quick drive ending with another Green touchdown run, giving the Nittany Lions the 17–7 advantage midway through the second quarter. Later in the quarter, Ohio State was able to put together their second scoring drive of the game which consisted of only five plays and ended in a Jake Stoneburner touchdown reception. Penn State, however, was able to use the rest of the second quarter clock on a drive which put them into field goal position, Fera's 46 yard field goal was good, and allowed them to go into halftime with a 20–14, the eventual final score of the game. The second half was marred for Ohio State with the defense able to stop the Nittany Lions on the one yard line four times for a goal line stand, but also of two costly fumbles which would end an hope of a comeback drive. The last two quarters of the game saw no scoring and allowed Penn State to exit Ohio Stadium with the 20–14 win, their first win at Ohio State since 2008, bringing Ohio State's overall record to 6–5 on the season, and 3–4 in conference play.
1st Quarter
- PSU – (12:27) Green 39 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Fera extra point is GOOD. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:33. (Nittany Lions 7–0)
- PSU – (1:59) Fera 43 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 15 plays, 54 yards, 5:29. (Nittany Lions 10–0)
2nd Quarter
- OSU – (12:32) Miller 24 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 4:22. (Nittany Lions 10–7)
- PSU – (10:05) Green 4 yard run, TOUCHDOWN. Fera extra point is GOOD. Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 2:20. (Nittany Lions 17–7)
- OSU – (5:22) Stoneburner 7 yard reception from Miller, TOUCHDOWN. Basil extra point is GOOD. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 2:51. (Nittany Lions 17–14)
- PSU – (0:00) Fera 46 yard field goal is GOOD. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 5:18. (Nittany Lions 20–14)
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Michigan
Ohio State will finish up its conference slate visiting the Wolverines under first year head coach and Ohio native Brady HokeBrady Hoke
Brady Hoke is the head football coach at the University of Michigan. He is in his first season. He grew up in Ohio and attended Ball State University where he played linebacker from 1977 to 1980...
. The Buckeyes have won nine of the last ten games against their most hated rivals, but must adjust to coaching changes and off-field controversy if they hope to extend the streak. Michigan comes off of a 7–6 2010 season that ended with a loss to Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl. Michigan leads the all time series 57–43–6, but since World War I Michigan only holds a slight lead in the series at 44–43–4.