COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State was expected to cruise past Alabama-Birmingham in its final tune-up before the start of its Big Ten schedule, but the Blazers wouldn’t go down easily Saturday. The slow starts that have plagued the No. 16 Buckeyes in non-conference play continued for the fourth straight week before a 21-point second quarter and just enough defense helped Ohio State avoid a stunning upset with a 29-15 victory before 105,019 mostly silent fans in Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes (4-0) trailed for much of the first half but scored three rushing touchdowns to grab a 21-12 lead at halftime and then held off the Blazers in the second half despite being outgained 403-347 in total yards for the game. UAB (0-3) closed to 21-15 early in the fourth quarter on a 34-yard field goal by Ty Long, but Ohio State iced the game on a 1-yard touchdown run and two-point conversion by Braxton Miller with 5:03 left. The Buckeyes’ dynamic sophomore quarterback completed 12 of 20 passes for 143 yards and…
Continue Reading: Ohio State 29, UAB 15
