OHIO STATE BUCKEYES FOOTBALL

OSU wins 42-7

QB Kenny Guiton put in a strong relief effort for Braxton Miller

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5) is helped off the field after an injury against San Diego State during the first quarter.

FINAL

COLUMBUS — In Ohio State's charmed run to perfection last season, backup quarterback Kenny Guiton forged his reputation as a closer.

He's not so bad in long relief, either.

A day that began with a pall over Ohio Stadium again ended with the sold-out crowd of 104,984 in good spirits as Guiton led the third-ranked Buckeyes to an 42-7 victory over San Diego State — and word came that star Braxton Miler was OK.

After Miller went down with a knee injury in the opening minutes, Guiton led the Buckeyes into the end zone on three of their first four drives and ultimately a 42-0 lead before the hosts shifted into autopilot.

Guiton threw two touchdowns and ran for another — a 44-yard draw in the third quarter — while freshmen Dontre Wilson, Jordan Hall, and Rod Smith all ran for scores.

Meanwhile, a defense fortified by the return of junior All-American cornerback Bradley Roby delivered a vintage performance. The Buckeyes held the Aztecs to three yards in the first quarter and did not allow the visitors a first down until more than 18 minutes had passed.

Miller was carted to the locker room with a left knee injury after Ohio State's first drive. The junior lost his helmet on a fourth-and-1 keeper and appeared dazed after he was sandwiched between two Aztecs defenders. But his knee proved the bigger worry, with ESPN reporting Miller suffered a strained MCL. An OSU spokesman said Miller was outfitted with a brace and could have returned if necessary.

END OF THIRD

COLUMBUS — Backup quarterback Kenny Guiton continued his strong relief effort in place of injured star Braxton Miller as Ohio State romped to to a 35-0 halftime lead over San Diego State today at Ohio Stadium. After leading the third-ranked Buckeyes on three touchdown drives in the first quarter, Guiton ran for a career-high 44-yard score in the second quarter. Rod Smith also ran for a touchdown to push OSU ahead 35-0.

Meanwhile, an OSU defense fortified by the return of All-American cornerback Bradley Roby from a one-game suspension kept the pressure on. The Buckeyes, who outgained the Aztecs 182-3 in the first quarter, did not allow a first down until more than 18 minutes into the game. Miller was carted off the field on Ohio State's first drive with what ESPN reported is a strained MCL. An OSU spokesman said Miller was fitted with a brace and planned to return, though coaches appeared to change their mind as the Buckeyes continued to pile on the points. Guiton finished the first half.

FIRST QUARTER

The Ohio State football team endured an early scare in an otherwise dominant first quarter today at Ohio Stadium.

The Buckeyes lead San Diego State 21-0, but Braxton Miller was carted to the locker room with a left knee injury. Miller lost his helmet on a fourth-and-1 keeper and appeared dazed after he was sandwiched between two Aztecs defenders. But his knee proved the bigger worry, with ESPN reporting Miller suffered a strained MCL. An OSU spokesman said Miller was outfitted with a brace and planned to return.

Still, backup quarterback Kenny Guiton again proved a capable backup, leading the Buckeyes to three touchdowns on their first four drives. Guiton connected with Corey Brown for a 27-yard score while Dontre Wilson and Jordan Hall each had touchdown runs.