Source: Scott Halleran / Getty
COLUMBUS — Ohio State Buckeyes junior halfback Curtis Samuel ran for a 15-yard touchdown run in double overtime to seal a 30-27 win over the University of Michigan Wolverines in front of an Ohio Stadium record of 110,045 fans on Saturday afternoon.
One play after a review upheld a fourth-and-one conversion from junior quarterback J.T. Barrett, Ohio State went to Samuel for the game-winning carry. After taking the ball from Barrett, Samuel hustled around left end, got past the first wave of defenders and sprinted into the end zone for the clinching score.
Samuel ended the day with 54 yards on seven carries, another 32 on four catches and the touchdown run.
The Buckeyes scored two touchdowns in the overtime periods, the second of which came after they held Michigan to a 37-yard field goal on their second possession in the extra session.
After punting on their first two drives, Michigan marched down the field and converted a 28-yard field goal attempt, and took a 3-0 lead over Ohio State with 13:31 to play in the first half at Ohio Stadium.
The Wolverines started the drive at their own 37-yard line after an Ohio State punt, and quarterback Wilton Speight quickly moved the offense down the field by completing a pair of nine-yard passes. Then, two plays later, Speight found tight end Jake Butt for a 22-yard gain that moved the Wolverines from the Ohio State 41-yard line down to the 19.
After switching ends of the field at the start of the second quarter, Ohio State ratcheted up the defensive pressure and held on third-and-goal when end Sam Hubbard tripped up junior Jabrill Peppers in the backfield for a five-yard loss.
Kenny Allen converted the ensuing 28-yard field goal attempt.
Ohio State redshirt sophomore safety Malik Hooker has had a nose for the football all season, and he again came up with a big play for the Buckeyes last in the first half.
A 64-yard punt from Cameron Johnston, backed up the Wolverines to their own six-yard line, and after finally flipping field position, the Buckeyes ratcheted up the pressure against junior quarterback Wilton Speight.
On first-and-10 from the six, the Buckeyes sent a rush up the middle and forced a quick throw from Speight, which Hooker read perfectly and caught for his sixth interception of the season. With no Wolverine players in sight, Hooker returned the interception 16 yards for the touchdown.
Hooker’s third defensive score of the season gave the Buckeyes a 7-3 lead over Michigan with 4:03 to play in the first half.
READ MORE: WKYC.com
Article Courtesy of WKYC Channel 3 News Cleveland
Picture Courtesy of Scott Halleran and Getty Images
