Hartline's return is longest in OSU history

The Buckeyes' Brian Hartline finishes off a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown. The return broke a 57-year-old record.

The Buckeyes' Brian Hartline got himself in the record books in yesterday's win over Kent State.

His 90-yard punt return for a touchdown on the first play of the second quarter is the longest in Ohio State history, breaking the previous mark of 87 set by Robert Demmel against Iowa in 1950.

"I didn't find out about it until the end of the game," Hartline said. "It is really exciting to have my name in the record book. Hopefully this will not be the last one I break."

On the play, Hartline took a Kent State punt at the Ohio State 10-yard line, juked his way by one defender, back-pedaled four yards, then broke free down the Ohio State sideline for a 90-yard touchdown return and a 14-0 lead.

"You definitely don't do anything yourself on one of those, except run," Hartline said. "I got some great blocking, and it showed that the focus was still there, even though we were stepping out of the Big Ten."

CROWD COUNT: Yesterday's game drew an announced crowd of 105,051 to Ohio Stadium - the 38th straight crowd of 100,000-plus - as the Buckeyes won their 25th straight regular-season game.

Ohio State's last loss in the regular season came on Oct. 8, 2005, by a 17-10 score at Penn State.

STINGY BUNCH: Ohio State's defense has limited four of its seven opponents this season to no offensive touchdowns. On the season, the Buckeyes have allowed just four offensive touchdowns.

TACKLING GANG: OSU cleared the sideline against Kent State, and as a result, 26 Buckeyes had at least one tackle in the game. Freshman linebacker Brian Rolle saw enough playing time to lead the way with seven tackles and the first sack of his career.

INJURY UPDATE: OSU tailback Chris Wells aggrivated an ankle injury he's been dealing with, but is expected to play the next game.

Linebacker James Laurinaitis said he was kicked in the hip in the first half, but expects to be at practice Tuesday.

DANE'S DAY: Ohio State freshman wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher from Central Catholic had two receptions for 20 yards, giving him eight catches for 57 yards in six games.

RUSH JOB: Kent State managed 161 yards rushing, the most allowed by the Buckeyes this season. Ohio State had been allowing just 46.5 yards rushing per game. Purdue had just four yards rushing last week.

- Matt Markey