COLUMBUS, Ohio – Miami football took an early lead at Ohio Stadium, but No. 6 Ohio State scored the last 76 points to prevail 76-5 on Saturday.
The RedHawks finish non-conference play 1-3.
Miami picked up a couple first downs and drove into plus territory on its opening position, but Ohio State kept it from going further as MU eventually punted and pinned OSU to its own 2-yard line. Two plays later,
Myles Reid got to Justin Fields in the backfield and forced a fumble that went through the end zone for a safety to go up 2-0.
Following the safety, the RedHawks embarked on a 14-play drive that saw them convert an early fourth down. An option pitch to
Maurice Thomas gained 16 yards before
Brett Gabbert connected with
Jack Sorenson for 13 to get into the red zone. A pass interference penalty set up first and goal at the OSU 2-yard line, but the Buckeyes held the RedHawks out of the end zone. Samuel Sloman did add a 21-yard field goal to extend the lead to 5-0.
On their second possession, the Buckeyes answered with a seven-play, 75-yard scoring drive that saw JK Dobbins score on a 26-yard touchdown that gave them a 7-5 lead with 5:16 left in the first quarter.
The ensuing Miami possession started with a big Thomas rush of 23 yards that got near midfield. A four-yard rush moved the RedHawks into Buckeye territory for the third-straight drive, but they eventually were forced to punt. MU's defense managed to hold serve after OSU got a quick first down as
Zedrick Raymond and
Doug Costin combined to sack Fields and eventually forced punt.
Following a Miami punt, Ohio State added to its lead with Fields throwing a 53-yard touchdown pass to KJ Hill, making it 14-3 with 14:36 left in the half. The Buckeyes then got an interception and scored on a Fields seven-yard rush three-plays later to go up 21-5. Fields would rush for another touchdown and throw three more scoring passes as the Buckeyes went into the break up 49-5.
Both teams went deep into their benches in the second half and the Buckeyes added 27 more points to cap the scoring.
Ohio State outgained Miami 601-130 overall. Thomas led the Red & White with 48 yards from scrimmage (44 rushing, 4 receiving) on nine touches.
Miami returns home for its Mid-American Conference opener on Sept. 28 as it hosts Buffalo for a noon kickoff on Hall of Fame weekend.
