The Buckeyes faced some moments of tension at juiced-up Lane Stadium and struggled through some stretches of less-than-ideal execution on both sides of the ball, but this turned into a runaway in the second half because Ohio State has an overwhelming amount of skill that allows for versatility and adjustment if an opponent is intent on taking one component of their offense away.
Virginia Tech executed a good gameplan, generated two turnovers and got a handful of breaks to take a 17-14 lead into halftime, but all of that dried up as the Buckeyes got quick-strike scores in the third quarter to take control of the game. Also of note: It appears the quarterback question is settled for now, as Cardale Jones did looked as good as he did in last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal, completing 9-of-18 for 186 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 99 yards on 13 carries.
And the scary part is this will likely be Ohio State’s most taxing test until November.
The Hokies, meanwhile, weren’t able to repeat the magic of their 35-21 win in Columbus last season, but they will take away some positives from this performance — if quarterback Michael Brewer is able to return this season. Brewer, who was playing well, left the game with 11:36 left in the third quarter after taking a hard shot to the shoulder from 290-pound defensive tackle Adolphus Washington. Brewer went to the locker room and did not return, later revealing he suffered a broken collarbone. Depending on how quickly he can come back, it could dramatically impact Virginia Tech’s chances of winning the ACC.
WHAT WE’LL BE TALKING ABOUT:
Welcome back, Braxton Miller. In a performance that thoroughly justified his decision to move from quarterback to H-back/wide receiver, he generated the two biggest plays of the game for Ohio State and answered any questions about his ability to run routes or catch the ball in stride.
On the first drive of the second half, Miller gave Ohio State the lead with a 54-yard touchdown streaking down the sideline from Cardale Jones, getting separation from Desmond Frye and escaping a diving tackle. Then, taking a snap at quarterback out of the wildcat formation, Miller broke away for a 53-yard touchdown, complete with an X-Box style spin move through Deon Clarke and nose tackle Corey Marshall, who were converging on him.
All told, Miller accounted for 140 yards on eight touches, which is simply amazing for a two-time All-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year at quarterback who began last season as a Heisman Trophy contender before suffering a separated shoulder. Ohio State got him the ball in every way imaginable (handoffs, direct snaps and passes) and showed just how dangerous and valuable he’ll be in this offense.
KEY STAT:
Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliot only touched the ball six times in the first half (not counting a punt return, which he fumbled) but accounted for 121 yards on those opportunities including an 80-yard touchdown run. Virginia Tech and its “bear” defensive front made a commitment to take away the inside running game and it largely worked aside from the long touchdown play. That may be the only thing resembling a blueprint for how to defend this offense, with the hope that the Buckeyes aren’t sharp and don’t execute when they attack the edges.
