Ohio State, Iowa Maintain the Edge

Ohio State’s defense appreciates being tested.

“We knew that Minnesota was in the top 10 in the nation as far as running the ball and we didn’t want those guys to control the clock,” two-time All-American strong safety Michael Doss said after the sixth-ranked Buckeyes defeated No. 23 Minnesota, 34-3, Saturday.

“We decided to take that as a challenge.”

There were plenty of offensive standouts for Ohio State, 10-0 overall and 5-0 in the conference. Lydell Ross ran for two touchdowns. Chris Vance caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Craig Krenzel. Mike Nugent kicked two field goals to set a school record with 20 this season and extend his overall mark to 21 in a row.

But it was the defense that controlled the game, holding Minnesota to only 112 yards while running its streak without giving up a touchdown to 10 quarters.

The Golden Gophers (7-2, 3-2) came in averaging 271 yards rushing but finished with only 53 yards in 36 attempts.

“I knew that we’d have a tough go running against these guys,” Minnesota Coach Glen Mason said.

Darrion Scott had two sacks and David Thompson had two tackles for losses.

Ohio State improved to 10-0 for the first time since 1996 and the 10th time in school history.

“I’ve never been 10-0 in anything,” free safety Donnie Nickey said. “Knowing that we can get to where we set out to go is exciting.”