College Football

Wisconsin vs. Ohio State final score: Miller returns, leads Buckeyes to big win

On the strength of four Braxton Miller touchdowns, Ohio State passed its first test of the year.

By Pete Volk@Pete_Volk Sep 28, 2013, 11:33pm EDT

Braxton Miller returned with a vengeance, leading the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes to a 31-24 win over the visiting No. 23 Wisconsin Badgers in Columbus.

The Buckeyes took an early lead, as Miller found Evan Spencer for a 25-yard touchdown after less than three minutes of play. Wisconsin was able to tie it up later in the quarter, as Joel Stave completed a 36-yard pass to Jared Abbrederis.

Ohio State responded with two straight scores -- one a 26-yard pass from Miller to Devin Smith, another a 45-yard field goal from Drew Basil . Stave connected with Sam Arneson for another score to bring it close before the half, but Miller pulled off a little magic to change the tenor of the game before the half, making it 24-14.

Ohio State was able to get on the board first in the second half, as well, as Miller found Corey Brown for a one-yard touchdown, making it 31-14.

The Buckeyes took that lead into the fourth quarter, and Wisconsin was finally able to get one in on the ground, as James White scampered for a 17-yard score. A 42-yard field goal from Kyle French cut it to one score, but Ohio State was able to hold on for the win.

Box Score Hero: Braxton Miller. He only threw for 198 yards, but had four touchdowns and ran for 84.

Rankings Ramifications: Barring a bizarre loss from Oregon, Ohio State will stay put at fourth. Wisconsin will likely fall out of the Top 25.

But Did They Cover? Ohio State was a seven-point favorite, so it's a push.

For More On This Game: For the Ohio State perspective, head to Land-Grant Holy Land. For the Wisconsin impression of the game, check out Bucky's 5th Quarter.

Next Week's Schedule: Ohio State travels to face their second-straight ranked team next week when they face Northwestern on the road. Wisconsin has a week off before hosting Northwestern themselves.