Ohio State-Clemson score update: Tigers lead Buckeyes, 14-9

Everybody knew that Ohio State's defense was going to be under the gun facing the explosive offensive skill talent of Clemson, and it didn't take long to see why. Tajh Boyd sprinted right up the gut for a 49 yard score on the game's opening drive.

Jamal Marcus got off to a promising start, and Ohio State set up an early 3rd and 8, only to give a 15 yard screen pass to Roderick McDowell to continue the drive and set up the long score.

The Buckeyes would respond, with a 13 play, 7:00 minute touchdown drive of their own, but it wasn't pretty.

Ohio State started slow, with Carlos Hyde getting stuffed behind the line of scrimmage for only the 3rd time all season, but a screen to Philly Brown set up a first down on the next play. After Hyde gained four yards on two carries, Miller was thrown down for a massive sack as his attempt to extend the play failed. The Buckeyes were bailed out after a taunting call and a defensive delay of game, giving them a first down anyway.

Another potential first down for Ohio State was then erased after a clipping call against Marcus Hall. A long gain from Dontre Wilson was then followed up with an improper substitution penalty, forcing the Buckeyes into a 3rd and 8, which the Bucks failed to convert after a 6 yard completion.

Instead of punting on 4th and 2 from midfield though, the Buckeyes successfully pulled off a fake punt, with Jeff Heuerman plunging for the first down. After another Hyde plunge for a 3rd and short conversion, Miller brilliantly executed a 33 yard touchdown run, including a nasty stutter step to equalize the score.

Clemson would strike right back, with a 27 yard strike to Sammy Watkins. Two plays later, under pressure, Boyd found a wife open Watkins streaking downfield again, beating Vonn Bell for a 34 yard score to retake the lead.

The Buckeyes fought right back, finding Philly Brown for two 15-yard plays in a row to cross midfield. The drive stalled shortly thereafter, as a 3rd and 6 laser was batted down.The Buckeyes were able to pin Clemson at their own 1 yard line though, with 2:31 left in the quarter.

The Buckeye defense finally grabbed a break, with Joey Bosa pressuring Boyd, forcing an intentional grounding call, and getting a safety, to cut the deficit to 14-9. Jordan, "better call" Hall returned the kickoff to the 46, but the Buckeyes were unable to sustain a drive, with Miller getting sacked on 3rd and long.

The Tigers will be punting to the Buckeyes to start the 2nd.

STATS

Yards Clemson: 166   Ohio State: 103

Passing:  6/7 96 yards, TD             3/5 33 yards

Rushing: 7-69 1 TD                      16-70 1 TD

First Downs:   6                                   7