Backup quarterback leads Ohio State on game-tying, game-winning drives

Purdue running back Ralph Bolden, center, runs the ball between Ohio State defensive back Bradley Roby, left, and defensive back Christian Bryant during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday.

Associated Press

Purdue running back Ralph Bolden, center, runs the ball between Ohio State defensive back Bradley Roby, left, and defensive back Christian Bryant during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday.

COLUMBUS — Ohio State survived a pair of scares in a stunning 29-22 overtime victory over Purdue today at Ohio Stadium.

Backup quarterback Kenny Guiton, in place of injured starter Braxton Miller, led the seventh-ranked Buckeyes on a game-tying 61-yard touchdown drive in the final minute of regulation before helping extend their unbeaten season in overtime.

The big story, though, was the status of Miller. The sophomore star is "symptom-free" and was released from a hospital tonight after suffering an apparent head injury late in the third quarter, a school spokesman said.

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller grimaces in pain as he is helped by trainers after getting injured in the third quarter.

The sophomore star was ripped to the turf by Purdue’s Josh Johnson at the end of a 37-yard run late and remained on the ground for three minutes before staggering to the bench. He was then transported via ambulance to Wexner Medical Center on campus, where doctors examined his head, shoulders and neck because of concerns of a possible concussion.

Guiton proved a capable short-term fix.

The Buckeyes had no timeouts and trailed 22-14 with 47 seconds remaining. But Guiton led them on a 61-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 2-yard touchdown pass to a diving Chris Fields with three seconds remaining.

Then, needing a two-point conversion to tie the game, offensive coordinator Tom Herman called a delayed tight end throwback called Y-Hide. Guiton rolled to the right before turning and floating a strike to Jeff Heuerman in the left corner of the end zone.

After Carlos Hyde punched in a 1-yard touchdown on the first drive in overtime and a maligned OSU defense held Purdue on four plays, a stadium and a sideline erupted.