COLUMBUS, Ohio — At times Ohio State looked like a contender. At others it seemed to be just trying to survive the heat and injuries that made it even more shorthanded than planned. The Buckeyes were far from perfect as they opened the season on Saturday afternoon at Ohio Stadium, but for starters, they still got the result they needed as they coasted after a big first quarter and worked out some kinks in a 40-20 win over Buffalo.
Braxton Miller again was a handful as a rusher and a passer, Jordan Hall was plugged in to supply the punch on the ground and a rebuilding defense made do with Ryan Shazier fighting cramps and star cornerback Bradley Roby on the sideline because of a suspension.
And while Urban Meyer will have no shortage of teaching points in practice this week, the Ohio State coach stayed undefeated with the program with his 13th consecutive victory since taking over last season.
It was over when: Braxton Miller threw his first pass of the game, sparking an early onslaught and supplying a lead the Buckeyes would never give up.
The junior quarterback showed off his improved mechanics, accuracy and arm on the opening drive of the game for the Buckeyes, hitting Devin Smith on a gorgeous 47-yard strike to get his Heisman Trophy campaign off to a flying start.
The Bulls didn’t back down even after falling behind by 23 points in the first quarter, climbing back within 10 thanks to a couple careless turnovers by Ohio State. But even shorthanded, the Buckeyes had far too much talent for the Bulls and were never seriously challenged despite some inconsistency and a few scary moments.
Continue reading this article at ESPN: Instant analysis: Ohio State 40, Buffalo 20
