Ohio State Backs Up Tressel Boast

Jim Tressel gave Ohio State fans exactly what he promised on the day he was hired.

Jonathan Wells ran for 129 yards and three touchdowns as the Buckeyes built a 23-point halftime lead and held off 11th-ranked Michigan, 26-20, on Saturday.

Ohio State (7-4, 5-3) prevented Michigan (8-3, 6-2) from sharing the Big Ten title and playing in the Fiesta, Sugar or Orange Bowl. The victory was Ohio State’s first in Michigan Stadium since 1987 and third in the rivalry since its last win at Ann Arbor.

“They’ve been disrespecting us a lot,” Wells said, “telling us this isn’t a rivalry game anymore. Well, if it wasn’t, it is now.”

The victory validated Tressel, who pointed to this game on the day he was hired, saying, “I can assure you that you’ll be proud of our young people--in the classroom and in the community, and most especially, in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Mich.”

Earle Bruce was the last Ohio State coach to win his first game against Michigan, in 1979, and he was also the last Buckeye coach to win in Michigan Stadium, in 1987, his final game.

John Cooper was fired last year in part because of his 2-10-1 record against the Wolverines.

“As we all know, playing Michigan can be a career-stopping game,” said Ohio State defensive back Mike Doss, a Thorpe Award semifinalist, who made his eighth and ninth interceptions of the season.

“Ohio State coaches are always on the hot seat, but especially against Michigan. This is huge for coach and it’s big for our program.”

Michigan scored touchdowns with 10:02 and 2:26 left, but it couldn’t pull off what would have been the largest come-from-behind victory in program history.

Tressel was asked what the last 15 minutes of the game felt like.

“Like 310 days,” he said.

Illinois won the outright Big Ten title and will represent the conference in the bowl championship series at the Fiesta, Sugar or Orange Bowl.

The Wolverines might play in the Citrus Bowl for the third time in four years and the Buckeyes could play in the Outback Bowl.

Wells, who left the game with leg cramps midway through the third quarter, rushed for 122 yards in 23 carries in the first half.

Craig Krenzel, in his first career start, was 11 for 18 for 118 yards and an interception. He replaced Steve Bellisari who was arrested for drunk driving just more than a week ago. Bellisari was at the game in uniform, after a three-day suspension, but he didn’t leave the sideline.

“I was surprisingly calm,” said Krenzel, who grew up 42 miles from The Big House in Sterling Heights.

Michigan’s John Navarre was 21 for 47 for 206 yards with two touchdowns, a fumble and four interceptions.