BTN.com staff, September 29, 2012

Braxton Miller threw for 179 yards and ran for 130, and No. 14 Ohio State held off No. 20 Michigan State 17-16 on Saturday, giving Urban Meyer a win in his first Big Ten game as Buckeyes coach. Miller put Ohio State (5-0, 1-0) ahead 17-13 with a 63-yard touchdown pass to Devin Smith in the third quarter, and the Buckeyes' maligned defense held Le'Veon Bell and the Michigan State running game in check.

[RELATED: Dienhart: These 5-0 Buckeyes are very good]

Meyer becomes the third coach to start 5-0 in his first season at Ohio State. Carol Widdoes and Earle Bruce also did it in 1944 and 1979.

Michigan State (3-2, 0-1) has lost four home games in a row against Ohio State.

[ RECAP | BY QUARTER | BOX | PBP | CONNECT | WEATHER ]

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FINAL: Devin Smith was Braxton Miller's favorite target in No. 14 Ohio State's 17-16 victory over No. 18 Michigan State on Saturday at Spartan Stadium. Smith made himself available to Miller for two receptions and 79 yards. Andrew Maxwell kept the Spartans' offense on track, throwing for 269 yards and one touchdown on 22 of 42 passing.

The Buckeyes' defense was stifling as they shut down Ohio State's offensive attack. The Buckeyes' defense allowed just 307 total yards as it frustrated Michigan State's offense.

Ohio State's Miller passed for 179 yards, completing 16 of 23 throws. He tossed one touchdown and one interception. Miller also ran for 135 yards on 23 attempts. Corey Brown was the player Miller targeted most often. He hauled in 12 catches for 84 yards.

The Buckeyes racked up 384 total yards. Ohio State complemented Miller's passing with 205 yards rushing on 44 attempts.

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