Top-ranked Ohio State has begun its national championship defense by showcasing its high-octane offense in a 42-24 win at Virginia Tech.
Cardale Jones started the game at quarterback and was 9 of 18 passing for 186 yards and two touchdowns. He also gained 99 yards rushing, but the Buckeyes found themselves trailing 17-14 at halftime before taking off.
Former OSU quarterback Braxton Miller scored two touchdowns and put the Buckeyes ahead 28-17 with a 53-yard run late in the third quarter. Miller also grabbed a 54-yard TD pass from Jones that put Ohio State ahead for good early in the second half.
Reigning Big Ten player of the year J.T. Barrett finally entered the game in the fourth quarter and promptly led a touchdown drive, ripping off a 40-yard run and throwing a 26-yard scoring pass to Michael Thomas.