Field Level Media
Sep 21, 2019
Quarterback Justin Fields accounted for six first-half touchdowns as No. 6 Ohio State overcame a sluggish start to rout Miami University 76-5 in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday.
The Buckeyes (4-0) trailed 5-0 after 7:25 of the first quarter but had four scoring drives of less than a minute and another of 73 seconds en route to a 49-5 halftime lead. The Ohio State offense was aided by a blocked punt, an interception and two fumble recoveries.
The game was called with 2:40 left in the fourth quarter because of inclement weather.
Fields, a sophomore transfer from Georgia, had four TD passes and did not play in the final two quarters. He was 14 of 21 for 223 yards, also rushing for 36 yards and two scores on nine carries.
For the season, he has 19 touchdowns (13 passing, six rushing).
The RedHawks (1-3) took the surprising lead when Myles Reid stripped Fields as he was passing, and the ball rolled out of the end zone for a safety. Later, Sam Sloman kicked a 21-yard field goal before the Buckeyes took over.
J.K. Dobbins ran 26 yards to give Ohio State the 7-5 lead at the 5:16 mark of the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, Fields threw a 53-yard TD to K.J. Hill.
After Jeff Okudah intercepted Brett Gabbert at the Miami 41, the Buckeyes needed three plays and 29 seconds to go ahead 21-5 on Fields' 7-yard run.
Defensive end Chase Young had two sacks that caused fumbles, leading to 13- and 10-yard scoring receptions by Chris Olave.
Gabbert was 5 of 15 for 48 yards and an interception before leaving the game in the second quarter.
Backup Jackson Williamson was 2 of 5 for 12 yards and had the two fumbles caused by Young.
Ohio State second-string quarterback Chris Chugunov threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, and Gunnar Hoak had 61-yard scoring pass in the fourth.
Dobbins finished with eight carries with 52 yards. He was one of 13 Ohio State players who caught a pass.
--Field Level Media