All of the talk coming into Ohio State’s season-opener against Virginia Tech was about the quarterback position. But by the end of the night, it was the guy who was the former signal caller who stole the show and ignited the Buckeyes to a victory.
Braxton Miller touched the ball a total of eight times, gained 140 total yards and scored a pair of touchdowns as he helped guide the Ohio State to a 42-24 come-from-behind win over the Hokies on Monday night.
Miller scored on a 54-yard touchdown pass from Cardale Jones — who won the starting quarterback job over J.T. Barrett — to open the third quarter. He also had a ridiculous 53-yard touchdown run later in that frame.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OHIO STATE | 14 | 0 | 14 | 14 | 42 |
| VIRGINIA TECH | 0 | 17 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
Jones finished the game 9-for-18 passing for 186 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran the ball 13 times for 99 yards and a score. Ezekiel Elliott carried the ball 11 times for 122 yards and a touchdown.
Overall, the Buckeyes outgained Virginia Tech 572-320 in total offense and outscored the Hokies 28-7 in the second half. Ohio State held Virginia Tech to just 109 yards in the second half as the Hokies struggled to move the ball without starting quarterback Michael Brewer, who was injured in the third quarter and did not return.
Jones and Barrett both played, as Barrett saw mop-up time in the fourth quarter and connected with wide receiver Michael Thomas for a 26-yard touchdown.
Things couldn’t have started off any better for Ohio State as the Buckeyes jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead. Jones connected with Curtis Samuel for a 24-yard touchdown strike to open the Buckeyes’ scoring and, on Ohio State’s next drive, Ezekiel Elliott took a handoff and went 80 yards for the score.
But as the Buckeyes looked like they may roll, Virginia Tech responded with 17 unanswered points. Jones had a touchdown called back due to a holding penalty that would have put Ohio State up 21-0, but after that it was 17-straight for the Hokies and they led 17-14 at halftime.
Ohio State hosts Hawaii in its home opener Saturday.
