When Terrelle Pryor announced his decision to leave Ohio State amidst an NCAA investigation, the majority of Buckeye fans believed the time was right for the star quarterback to separate himself from the football program and the university.
However, following OSU's 1st setback of the season, a discouraging loss to the Miami Hurricanes, the Buckeyes and their fans wish Pryor had never left Columbus.
Facing an athletic Miami defense, Ohio State completed only 4 passes, totaling a dismal 35 yards.
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| ... the Buckeyes and their fans wish Pryor had never left Columbus ... |
For the 3rd consecutive game, Luke Fickell started Joe Bauserman at quarterback. Bauserman's 1st 2 drives resulted in 3-and-outs, prompting Fickell to insert Braxton Miller into the game.
Meanwhile, Jacory Harris fired a pair of touchdown passes to Allen Hurns, and the 'Canes had an early, 14-0 lead.
Miller threw an interception to conclude his 1st series, but, fortunately, Harris returned the favor and then some by tossing 2 picks during the middle portion of the 1st half. Those miscues helped the incompetent Ohio State offense score 6 points as Drew Basil converted 2 field goals.
Late in the 2nd quarter, Harris engineered what would prove to be the game's critical drive. Miami traversed 64 yards of real estate, and Jake Wieclaw drilled a 25-yard field goal on the final play of the half.
After a scoreless 3rd quarter, Miller, who split time with Bauserman throughout the game, used his legs to push the Buckeyes across midfield. Miller, though, fumbled the football 2 plays later, and Mike Williams recovered.
The Hurricanes' rushing attack, which featured Lamar Miller and his 184 yards, proceeded to milk the clock. Mike James' 1-yard TD plunge capped a 14-play march that spanned 8:48 and sealed Ohio State's fate.
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| ... Jacory Harris fired a pair of touchdown passes ... |
Similar to the Buckeyes, the Hurricanes are dealing with a storm of possible NCAA violations and sanctions. But it appears that Miami is better equipped to weather that proverbial storm and emerge as a solid team. Ohio State, on the other hand, is completely overwhelmed without Jim Tressel and Pryor, who were the unquestioned leaders of the Buckeyes.
Player of the Game
Jordan Hall: 14 carries, 87 yards
Because he accepted improper benefits, Hall was forced to miss the games against Akron and Toledo. The speedy tailback returned to face Miami, and he was the only member of the Buckeyes' offense that showed promise.
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| Jordan Hall |
Play of the Game
Braxton Miller's fumble in the 4th quarter
Miller was beginning to lead a comeback that could have vaulted the freshman into legendary status before the pigskin was punched free from his right hand. The turnover was essentially the final nail in OSU's coffin.
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