December, 1, 2013 Dec 1 9:00 AM ET COLUMBUS, Ohio — A closer look at the standouts in No. 3 Ohio State’s thrilling, 42-41 victory over Michigan on Saturday afternoon at the Big House to wrap up a perfect regular season. RB Carlos Hyde: The senior has been on an absolute tear throughout the Big Ten season, but he might have saved his most impressive outing for the rival Wolverines. Hyde relentlessly banged away between the tackles from start to finish as he averaged more than 8 yards an attempt on the way to 226 yards, continuing to build his case as one of the nation’s top rushers. Even after one misstep with a crucial late fumble, Hyde bounced back for the go-ahead score with just more than two minutes left to cap another wildly productive performance.
+ EnlargeGregory Shamus/Getty ImagesOhio State redshirt freshman Tyvis Powell makes one of his six tackles Saturday, bringing down Michigan’s Jeremy Gallon.DB Tyvis Powell: No matter what else the redshirt freshman does in his career, the play he made with The Game, a perfect record and BCS championship hopes hanging in the balance could be the lasting memory of his time with the Buckeyes when it’s all over. Powell was one of the few players in Urban Meyer’s first recruiting class who didn’t play in 2012, but he clearly learned in practice and was a valuable part of the defense even before he stepped in front of a pass on a two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds. That interception, a previous fumble recovery and six tackles won’t soon be forgotten by Ohio State fans. QB Braxton Miller: His accuracy as a passer was again a bit scattered, but with Miller so staggeringly efficient as a rusher along with Hyde, that hardly made any difference to an offense that seemingly could only stop itself with penalties or a turnover. The junior quarterback might have been written off as a Heisman Trophy candidate too early, with his 153 rushing yards, 133 passing yards and five total touchdowns giving him yet another impressive entry on his resume and keeping the Buckeyes unbeaten. Miller might need to throw more against a stouter defense next week, but Michigan State will have to find an answer for his shifty moves and blinding acceleration as a rusher first. Covers Ohio State and the Big Ten.Joined ESPN in 2012.Attended the University of Wyoming.
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