Instant Analysis: Ohio State downs Michigan in Meyer-Harbaugh clash

ANN ARBOR, Mich.—Ohio State bounced back from its only loss of the season by pounding Michigan 42–13 on Saturday. Here are three thoughts from round one of Urban Meyer versus Jim Harbaugh. 1. Buckeyes coach Meyer may not have agreed with the way Ezekiel Elliott sent his message following Ohio State’s 17–14 loss to Michigan State a week earlier, but the coaching staff obviously received Elliott’s message. Elliott popped off after last week’s loss, telling reporters he deserved more carries than the 12 he got. Nine of those came before the 12:45 mark of last Saturday’s second quarter, and then Ohio State coaches essentially forgot Elliott was on the roster for the final 41 minutes against the Spartans. The Buckeyes fed Elliott often in this one, and their running game prospered for it. He gained 214 yards on 30 carries—passing Eddie George for second on Ohio State’s all-time rushing list in the process—and the Wolverines’ fear of what Elliott might do with the ball helped open running lanes for quarterback J.T. Barrett on read-option plays that began with fakes to Elliott. Elliott set up Ohio State’s first touchdown with a 66-yard run in the first quarter. He recorded the Buckeyes’ second score on a five-yard run shortly before halftime. And while Elliott broke his share of tackles, the Buckeyes’ offensive line did a much better job opening holes against Michigan than it did against Michigan State…

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