Buckeyes come-from-behind to beat Navy in opener

Ohio State held off a veteran Navy team to win its opener 34-17 in Baltimore Saturday. Without Heisman candidate Braxton Miller, the Buckeyes offense struggled through most of the game, but a few big plays in the second half helped #5 Ohio State avoid the upset.

A 61-yard fumble recovery and return for a touchdown by Darron Lee put OSU in the lead 13-7 early in the 3rd quarter after Navy led 7-6 at halftime. Navy responded right back, however, with a four-play, 84-yard touchdown drive to take the lead 14-13. After the teams traded punts, redshirt freshman, and Miller replacement, JT Barrett his Devin Smith for an 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play of a drive to give OSU the lead for good with 4:21 remaining in the 3rd quarter.

The Buckeyes then pulled away with a 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by a 4th & 1 conversion and capped by a 10-yard touchdown run by Ezekiel Elliott. Barrett was efficient, completing 12 of 15 passes for 226 yards, while only making the one interception mistake. The Ohio State rushing attack was balanced, with Barrett actually leading the way with 50 yards, though he split carries with five others.

A late 9-yard touchdown pass from Barrett to Michael Thomas gave the Buckeyes the 34-17 win.

Ohio State opens its home slate next week against Virginia Tech. Kickoff is scheduled for 8pm, with television coverage on ESPN.