The defense played better than I expected when predicting a 45-10 win in the game preview. Hats off to the defense for the shutout, forcing three turnovers, and for holding the Gophers to just 179 total yards, 45 of them rushing yards. The offense rolled up 476 yards today, 257 rushing. There was a little problem hanging on to the ball today with 3 fumbles given up by Ohio State. Troy Smith had his usual statistics today (226 total yards and 2 TDs,) though he didn’t look as sharp as he has in prior games.

Special teams was an adventure today, a missed extra point and a fumbled punt reception demonstrates there is more work to be done in this area. Despite the score, Minnesota never gave up – they played hard and delivered several punishing hits, two of them taking WR Ray Small and TB Maurice Wells out of the game. The Gophers also had some success in penetrating the OSU offensive line and putting some pressure on Smith.

It was a victory against a Big 10 opponent and had bright spots throughout. Clearly a good win. There’s still more room for improvement and that will help the coaching staff keep these youngsters focused in the final 3 weeks of the season. Great overall team effort and nice win. Go Bucks!

Ohio State’s 2006 record: 9-0 Next up: at Illinois 11/4
Tune: It was a very good year by Ray Charles & Willie Nelson
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