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How Ohio State Got Here
How Ohio State Got Here
Sept. 1
The Buckeyes opened up the season with a convincing win over Jim Tressel's former school. Ohio State QB Todd Boeckman enjoyed a solid debut, completing 17-of-23 passes for 225 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Sept. 8
Ohio State only led 3-2 at the half, but the game was really never in question due to the Buckeyes' stifling defense. The Zips punted 14 times and managed just 71 total yards of offense. Beanie Wells (pictured) rumbled for 143 yards on 20 carries.
Sept. 15
Washington held a 7-3 lead at the half, but the Buckeyes scored 24 points in the second half to put it away. Beanie Wells carried the ball 24 times for 135 yards and a touchdown, and Todd Boeckman threw two TD passes.
Sept. 22
In the Buckeyes' highest-scoring effort of the season, Ohio State scored 28 points in the first quarter and never looked back. Ohio State WR Brian Robiskie caught three touchdown passes in the first half.
Sept. 29
Ohio State had no trouble with lowly Minnesota. Beanie Wells rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns.
Oct. 6
The Boilermakers' explosive offense -- which entered this game averaging 45 points and 496 yards per game -- was supposed to challenge the Buckeyes, but Ohio State held Purdue to seven points and 272 yards.
Oct. 13
Ohio State scored 28 points in the second quarter, including Brian Hartline's 90-yard punt return touchdown (pictured) and Donald Washington's 70-yard score off an interception.
Oct. 20
In their first week as No. 1, the Buckeyes almost blew a comfortable lead, giving up two touchdowns off of turnovers last in the third quarter. After the game, Ohio State RT Kirk Barton put it best: "When your foot is on that jugular, you have to kill that fool."
Oct. 27
Ohio State had no trouble dealing with a hostile Beaver Stadium crowd in this much-anticipated night game. Todd Boeckman threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns, while Beanie Wells ran for 133 yards.
Nov. 3
Wisconsin held a 17-10 lead in the third quarter, but then Beanie Wells took the game over. While Ohio State's defense locked down, Wells ran for three second-half scores to guide the Buckeyes to victory.
Nov. 10
In their only loss of the season, the Buckeyes just had no answer for Illinois' Juice Williams. Williams tossed four touchdown passes and rushed for 70 yards. Ohio State QB Todd Boeckman had his worst game of the season, throwing three interceptions and zero touchdown passes.
Nov. 17
Once again, Michigan and Ohio State faced off with the Big Ten title on the line. The Buckeyes' defense flourished in horrible playing conditions, holding the Wolverines to 91 total yards of offense. Beanie Wells (pictured) ran for a career-high 222 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio State won its fourth straight over Michigan.
