Buckeye Rosters

Recap

Minneapolis, MN — Quarterback Steve Bellisari threw for 203 yards and a pair of touchdowns and tailback Jonathan Wells rushed for 152 yards and two scores as the Buckeyes downed Minnesota 31-28. With the offensive line playing its best overall game of the year (no sacks allowed and gaping holes for the running backs), the Buckeyes amassed 468 yards in total offense, including 265 on the ground.

The Buckeyes led 14-13 at the half, then fell behind 20-14 before scoring 17 unanswered points, the last three of which came on a 35-yard field goal by freshman kicker Mike Nugent. After Minnesota cut the deficit to 31-28, Ohio State recovered an on-side kick and ran out the clock behind the ball-control running of Wells. Flanker Chris Vance had his best game as a Buckeye, hauling in five receptions for 101 yards. In addition to 203 yards passing, Bellisari rushed for 66 yards.

Linebacker Joe Cooper led the Ohio State defense with eight tackles, one more than defensive linemen Tim Anderson, Darrion Scott, and Will Smith.

Anderson, who forced two fumbles and had a pair of sacks, was named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week. All-America safety Mike Doss added an interception.