Buckeyes Embarrassed At Home, But Advance

#60 Middle Tennessee State – 8
#5 Ohio State – 17

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- This is what the college football nation has come to expect from the Buckeyes: big game, big stage, big Sensationalizationalism, big . . . choke. In a game that featured a supremely talented Silver Bullet squad, Ohio State failed to look the part while playing on its home turf. The crowd was a nonfactor for three quarters as Middle Tennessee State actually led the Buckeyes 8-7. When an OSU drive stalled at the 50-yard line following a sure first down gain that was dropped by receiver Devier Posey, Ohio State elected to punt the ball away trailing by one with little time left.

"That's a tough decision there, to give the ball back to your opponent when you are already trailing so late," Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel opined. "In the end," continued Tressel, "we chose to play true Ohio State football and give our defense a chance to make a play with [MSTU] pinned deep in their own territory."

That may of been Tressel's thinking; or it could have been that he simply couldn't bare to watch oft-criticized, under-performing quarterback Terrelle Pryor handle the ball anymore. Whatever the case, OSU lined up for a punt as time was about to expire in the 3rd quarter. Punter Jon Thoma boomed a 40 yard punt inside the 10 yard line. MTSU's Chris McClover elected not to call for a fair catch, and it cost him. McClover was instantly rocked by OSU cornerback Andre Amos. While MTSU recovered the loose ball, it did so giving up a safety, and the lead for good, 9-8.

"I was just trying to make a play," a teary eyed McClover coughed up in the post game press conference. "In front of 105,000 plus silent fans, I was simply trying to put OSU away. I shoulda waived my hand in the air. We'd be in the second round."

Ohio State finally seized the opportunity, and marched down the field to score a touchdown following the free kick when Pryor connected with Posey for a 35-yard touchdown reception. Leading 15-8, Ohio State went for the kill and a two score advantage. Spreading out the field, Pryor took the snap straight up the middle of his offensive line, adding two points and salting away a victory that has left a bad taste in the mouths of Buckeye nation.

Middle Tennessee State outgained OSU 208 to 130, with the Buckeyes held to -2 yards on 16 rush attempts. Perhaps it was fitting that three Pryor rush attempts, all for negative yardage (kneels), sealed this opening round victory. Pryor, who appeared to have the words "Tiger" and "Woods" written on his eye black, was kept from the media after his dismal performance that included an interception, while also being sacked for a 20 yard loss and safety. Pryor was overheard muttering "survive and advance," however, as he walked off the field following his final kneel.

Ohio State did just that, "survived and advanced," and nothing more.

Stats:
Ohio State
QB Terrelle Pryor: 7/16 passing, 132 yds, TD, INT; 10 rushes for -11 yds
WR Devier Posey: 3 rec for 86 yds, TD
CB Andre Amos: 6 tackles, FF
DE Cameron Heyward: 2 tackles, TFL
FS Anderson Russell: 1 tackle, INT
SS Kurt Coleman: 1 tackle, TFL, INT