Five years under Urban Meyer produced a lot of great scoring plays for Ohio State football. Here's the best one from each season.
2012: Braxton Miller’s 55-yard Touchdown Run vs. California
In just his second year under center for Ohio State, Miller had already risen in the college football scene in his freshman season and continued his excellent play during the the first two games of the 2012 season.
He portrayed his dual-threat ability in the opening wins over Miami (OH) and Central Florida by racking up seven touchdowns (three passing, four rushing) and 658 total yards. But the moment Miller displayed how much game he truly had came in week three at home against Cal.
On a third and four from the Ohio State 45 yard line, Miller took the snap, faked a handoff and looked for room to run up the middle. He quickly decided to cut left and after shaking off a couple defenders, the Huber Heights, Ohio native hit a filthy juke to get by one Golden Bear defender and left a cloud of dust on his way to the opening score of the game.
The scoring play was the only one on the ground for Miller in the game, but he made up for it with his arm by throwing for 249 yards — his season high — and four touchdowns en route to a 35-28 win.
Honorable Mention: Corey Brown’s 68-yard Punt Return Touchdown on the road at Wisconsin
2013: Braxton Miller’s 53-yard Touchdown Run at Michigan
You should get used to seeing Braxton on this list. He’s an explosive player, which provides the grounds for big plays. But one of his finest moments in an Ohio State uniform occurred at the Big House in 2013.
At their own 47 yard line and trailing 14-7 early in the first quarter, the Buckeyes needed a big play on second and three to keep the offensive tempo moving. On the snap, Miller faked a pass, tucked and took off up the middle of the field. He shook off multiple Wolverines with the help of some shifty footwork and scampered to the end zone for the 53 yard, game-tying touchdown.
To me, this play embodies everything Miller possessed as a quarterback: speed, elusiveness, playmaking ability, strength, intelligence and determination.
Honorable Mention: Devin Smith 53-yard Touchdown Reception at Michigan (Yes, same game.)
2014: Ezekiel Elliott’s 85-yard Rushing Touchdown vs. Alabama in the Sugar Bowl
If you’re reading this, I’m sure you are aware of what happened with this next play. If you’re unfamiliar with this highlight, however, I am honestly shocked you are reading this piece.
In the moment, no one in Buckeye Nation was comfortable with Ohio State sitting on a 34-28 lead over Alabama with under four minutes remaining. The Scarlet and Gray needed one last drive leading to points to seal the Sugar Bowl victory and punch their tickets to the College Football Playoff National Championship — but they needed just one run.
Cue “Zeke Mode”.
Elliott took the handoff from Cardale Jones, and found a gap in the Crimson Tide defense thanks to Evan Spencer's block before taking off “85 yards through the heart of the South” and into the endzone to put Ohio State up for good.
The Buckeyes were headed to Jerry’s World, 12 Gauge was playing for a national title and Nick Saban was sad. All was right with the world.
Honorable Mention: Jalin Marshall’s 54-yard Punt Return Touchdown vs. Indiana
2015: Braxton Miller's 53-yard Touchdown Run at Virginia Tech
Yes, another Miller highlight. But it’s what is now deemed, “The Brax Spin”.
It was Braxton Miller’s first game since his position change from quarterback to wide receiver, and he left Buckeye fans with a highlight they will never forget.
At the Ohio State 47 yard line, Miller took the direct snap and ran to the left edge of the pocket. Seeing no hole, he bounced his run further outside and after leaving a handful of Hokies in the dust and picking up a few blocks along the way, Miller hit the B button (or circle, for you PlayStation gamers out there) on the controller and busted out a nasty spin move that opened a direct lane for six.
The run was one of two touchdowns for Miller on the night, as he caught a 54 yard pass from Cardale earlier in the quarter. But this is one play that will forever be kept on an Ohio State football highlight reel.
Honorable Mention(s): Ezekiel Elliott’s 274 yard, three-touchdown performance at Indiana
2016: Jerome Baker’s 68-yard Interception Return at Oklahoma
In last season’s 45-24 rout of the Sooners in Norman, no play was more key for the Buckeyes than Baker’s pick six late in the first quarter.
With Oklahoma marching down the field looking to answer Ohio State’s touchdown on the previous drive, Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield took the shotgun snap on the Scarlet and Gray 33 yard line. Mayfield felt the pressure from the edge and fired a quick pass that tipped off the fingers of Jalyn Holmes and into hands of Baker.
The linebacker had a convoy of blockers to assist his route to the house, but he basically out ran everyone in his way to put the Buckeyes up 14-0 and silence Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
I also must note that Baker definitely stole the interception from his teammate Chris Worley. But in the end, what matters more? One more number on your stat sheet, or six points?
