Despite the narrow loss to Texas last week (just wait till next year Longhorns), the Buckeyes finished out their pre-conference schedule with a decisive 27-6 win over San Diego State.
After one bad play, No. 9 Ohio State showed no sign of a Texas hangover.
With Santonio Holmes ‘ punt returns setting up two touchdown runs by Troy Smith , and the defense swarming from the second play on, the Buckeyes rolled over San Diego State 27-6 on Saturday.
”After the first play of the game, our defense dominated,” said coach Jim Tressel, whose team was coming off a 25-22 loss to No. 2 Texas. ”After we were startled a little bit … our defense decided no more of that and shut them down.”
Significantly, the Buckeyes utilized Troy Smith at Quarterback for all but the final series of the game.
At the very least, the win has helped Ohio State move from No. 9 to No. 8 in this week’s AP poll
Next week, the Buckeyes start their Big Ten schedule at home against the No. 22 Iowa Hawkeyes.
