Braxton Miller made Urban Meyer’s debut even more memorable. Miller rushed for 161 yards, a record for an Ohio State quarterback, and threw for two scores to lead the 18th-ranked Buckeyes to a 56-10 victory over Miami (Ohio).
Meyer, who won two national titles at Florida, is unbeaten in 11 season openers. He had worked as a TV analyst a year ago after stepping down from the Gators job due to health and family considerations.
He was hired last November to revive the beleaguered Buckeyes.
The slow-starting Miller, who stutter-stepped for a 65-yard score just 17 seconds into the second half, was 14-of-24 passing for 207 yards. He connected with Devin Smith for one highlight-reel score and also hit Corey Brown on a 5-yard TD pass.
After Miller’s long run made it 28-3, Bradley Roby recovered a high Miami punt snap in the end zone and the rout was on.
Travis Howard had two interceptions and Carlos Hyde scored on 4- and 8-yard runs for Ohio State.
Miller and Hyde, who had 82 yards on 17 carries, helped the Buckeyes roll up 294 yards on the ground and 244 through the air.
Much like during the early spring – when Meyer called the attempts to learn his new hurry-up, spread offense a “clown show” – the Buckeyes struggled at the outset. With Miller completing just one of his first seven passes, Ohio State was outgained 172-48 in the opening quarter before a stunned crowd of 105,039 at Ohio Stadium which came expecting to see a refurbished and cutting-edge offense. The first four possessions ended with punts.
Meanwhile, the RedHawks bumbled despite taking a 3-0 lead after the first 15 minutes.
Zac Dysert, who completed 31 of 53 passes for 303 yards and one touchdown with the two interceptions, was victimized by dropped catches again and again. Three times it appeared the RedHawks had a first down after a catch when the ball abruptly came loose.
Smith’s spectacular reception turned the tide.
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