2012 オハイオ州立大学バックアイズ フットボール チーム

2012 オハイオ州立大学バックアイズフットボール
ビッグテンリーダーズ部門チャンピオン
会議	ビッグ・テン・カンファレンス
Division	リーダー部門
ランキング
AP	3位
記録	12–0 (ビッグテン8–0)
ヘッドコーチ	アーバン・マイヤー（第1シーズン）
攻撃コーディネーター	トム・ハーマン（第1シーズン）
共同攻撃コーディネーター	エド・ウォーリンナー（第1シーズン）
攻撃計画	広める
共同守備コーディネーター	ルーク・フィケル（7位、通算12シーズン目）
共同守備コーディネーター	エヴェレット・ウィザーズ（第1シーズン）
基地防衛	複数
キャプテン	5 ジョン・サイモン ザック・ボーレン エティエンヌ・サビーノ ギャレット・ゲーベル ジョーダン・ホール
ホームスタジアム	オハイオスタジアム
季節

2012年オハイオ州立バックアイズフットボールチームは、2012年NCAAディビジョンI FBSフットボールシーズンでオハイオ州立大学を代表した。これはバックアイズにとって通算123シーズン目、ビッグテンカンファレンスの一員としては100シーズン目、ビッグテンリーダーズディビジョンの一員としては2シーズン目であった。チームは、健康上の懸念から2010年にフロリダから引退した後、コーチに復帰したアーバン・マイヤー監督によって率いられた。 ^[1]バックアイズは、オハイオ州コロンバスのオハイオスタジアムでホームゲームを行った。バックアイズはシーズンを12勝無敗で終え（全体で12勝0敗、ビッグテンで8勝0敗）、ビッグテンリーダーズディビジョンのチャンピオンとなり、APポールで3位にランクされた。前シーズン中にNCAAが実施した調査の結果により、オハイオ州立大学は2012年シーズンのビッグテンチャンピオンシップゲームとボウルゲームの両方に出場することができなかった。 ^[2]

1988年以来初の負け越しシーズンの後、バックアイズはフロリダ ゲーターズで2度の全国選手権優勝を果たしたアーバン マイヤーを2011年11月にヘッドコーチに迎えた。マイヤーとスタッフはトップ5の新入生を迎え入れ、20人のスターターと先発クォーターバックのブラクストン ミラーを春と秋のキャンプに復帰させた。オハイオ州立大学はビッグ テン カンファレンスの中位にランクされ、多くの人がマイヤーと選手たちにとって移行期となるシーズンになると予想していた。^[3] バックアイズはマイアミ (オハイオ州)とUCFに大勝してシーズンを開始した。オハイオ州立大学はミシガン州立大学を17対16で、ネブラスカ大学を63対38で破り、2011年に敗れた試合でシーズン成績を6勝0敗とした。バックアイズはシーズン後半にパデュー大学とウィスコンシン大学との延長戦を制し、11連勝した。バックアイズは宿敵ミシガンに26対21で勝利し、無敗のシーズンを締めくくり、レジェンズ部門のタイトルを奪取するウルヴァリンズを阻止した。

シーズンの終わりには、数人の選手が個人の功績によりポストシーズン賞を受賞した。 ブラクストン・ミラーはビッグ・テン・カンファレンスの攻撃選手最優秀選手に選ばれ、ジョン・サイモンはビッグ・テン・カンファレンスの守備選手最優秀選手に選ばれた。^[4]また、ジョナサン・ハンキンス、ブラッドリー・ロビー、ジョン・サイモン の3選手がAP通信のオールアメリカンチームに選ばれた。 ^[5]

2010年後半にNCAA違反が発覚した後、オハイオ州立大学のジム・トレセル監督は、コロンバスで10シーズンを過ごしたバックアイズのヘッドコーチを2011年5月31日に辞任した。^[6] オハイオ州立大学の先発クォーターバック、テレル・プライアーも2011年シーズン前に同プログラムを離れ、 NFL補足ドラフトに参加し、オークランド・レイダースに指名された。^[7] 違反行為に関与し出場停止となった他の選手には、デヴィア・ポージー、マイク・アダムス、ダン・ヘロン、ソロモン・トーマスがおり、当初はシーズン最初の5試合の出場停止となった。オハイオ州立大学は、同大学で長年ポジションコーチを務めたルーク・フィケルを2011年3月30日に暫定ヘッドコーチに任命した。フィケルは当初、同じく5試合の出場停止となったトレセルの後任となる予定だったが、トレセルの辞任により最終的にシーズン全体のヘッドコーチとなった。^[8]

オハイオ州立大学は2011年9月3日、アクロン・ジップスに42対0で勝利してシーズンを開幕した。オハイオ州立大学はマイアミ・ハリケーンズとの初戦に敗れ、3勝1敗の成績でカンファレンス戦に臨んだ。オハイオ州立大学はネブラスカ・コーンハスカーズとミシガン州立スパルタンズとのカンファレンス戦の最初の2試合に敗れた。オハイオ州立大学はウィスコンシン・バジャーズとのホームカミング戦に勝利し、最終的にカンファレンス戦で3勝2敗を達成した。しかし、バックアイズはミシガン・ウルヴァリンズとの1試合を含む最後のカンファレンス戦3試合で敗退することになった。ミシガン・ウルヴァリンズには2003年シーズン以来負けていなかった。オハイオ州立大学は6勝6敗、ビッグ・テン・カンファレンスで3勝5敗でシーズンを終えた。バックアイズは2004年以来初めてカンファレンスタイトルを分け合うことができず、また2004年以来初めてボウル・チャンピオンシップ・シリーズのボウルにも出場できなかった。オハイオ州立大学はゲイターボウルでフロリダ・ゲイターズと対戦したが、24対17で敗れ、バックアイズは1988年以来初めて負けシーズンとなった。 アーバン・マイヤーは2011年11月28日に大学のヘッドコーチに採用された。^[9]

オハイオ州立大学は3月29日、アーバン・マイヤー監督の下、初めて春季練習を開始した。練習開始時には、ジョン・サイモン、ジョナサン・ハンキンス、ギャレット・ゲーベル、アダム・ベラミーがディフェンスラインで、トラビス・ハワードとブラッドリー・ロビーがコーナーバックで先発した。^{[11]クリスチャン} ・ブライアントとCJ・バーネットが開幕日のセーフティとして先発した。 [11] ランニングバックのポジションは、ジョーダン・ホール、カルロス・ハイド、ロッド・スミス、ブリオンテ・ダンが交代で、クォーターバックはブラクストン・ミラーが先発した。^[11]

オハイオ州立大学バックアイズの毎年恒例の春季試合が4月21日、オハイオ州コロンバスのオハイオスタジアムで雨の午後に行われた。アーバン・マイヤー監督は試合開始前に中盤で1対1のサークルドリルを行い午後の試合を開始した。^[12] ドリル終了後、バックアイズはフィールドに出てスカーレットチームとグレイチームの2チームに分かれた。スカーレットチームは先発クォーターバックのブラクストン・ミラーが先発し、グレイチームは控えのケニー・ギトンが先発した。^[13] スカーレットチームの最初のタッチダウンは第1クォーターでカルロス・ハイドが1ヤードのタッチダウンランで決めた。^[10] 第2クォーター開始時に先発キッカーのドリュー・バジルが41ヤードのフィールドゴールを決め、スカーレットのリードを10対0に広げた。グレイチームはギトンの28ヤードタッチダウンパスで得点したが、バジルの2回目のフィールドゴールでスカーレットはグレイに対して13対7でリードしてハーフタイムのロッカールームに入った。第3クォーターでは、グレイチームはギトンの4ヤードタッチダウンランでスカーレットチームに対して14対13でリードした。しかし、ミラーの指揮下でスカーレットチームはドライブし、ロッドスミスのランでタッチダウンを決め、20対13でリードし最終的に勝利した。^[10]

試合中、クォーターバックのブラクストン・ミラーは31回のパスのうち24回を成功させて258ヤードを獲得し、ワイドレシーバーのマイケル・トーマスは12回のパスをキャッチして合計131ヤードを獲得した。^[12] この試合で、ファンはバックアイズがシーズン中に採用するマイヤーの新しいスプレッドオフェンスを垣間見ることができた。ラインバッカーのライアン・シャジアーは8回のタックルでチームをリードした。^[12] ランニングバックのジョーダン・ホールは健康上の理由と予防措置により試合には出場せず、先発ラインマンのジョン・サイモンも試合中長時間プレーしなかった。^[12]

オハイオ州立大学からは、12の異なる賞部門でプレシーズンの受賞候補リストに9人の選手が名を連ねていた。ベドナリック賞のジョナサン・ハンキンスとジョン・サイモン、ビレティノフ賞のコーリー・ブラウン、バトカス賞のエティエンヌ・サビーノ、ルー・グローザ賞のドリュー・バジル、ロンバルディ賞のジェイク・ストーンバーナー、マクスウェル賞のブラクストン・ミラーなどだ。^[14] 秋季キャンプ前、ストーンバーナーとジャック・ミューホートの両名は逮捕を受けて無期限の出場停止処分を受け、^[15]シニアラインバッカーのストーム・クラインも逮捕によりチームから解雇された。^[16] クラインは後にアーバン・マイヤー監督によって2試合の出場停止処分を受けながらも復帰した。^[17] オハイオ州立大学は8月3日に全選手の出頭で秋季キャンプを開始した。^[18]

アーバン・マイヤーは、ボウリンググリーン、ユタ、フロリダでコーチを務め、2度の全米選手権で優勝した後、2011年11月にオハイオ州立大学のヘッドコーチに就任した。^[19] マイヤーは、前暫定ヘッドコーチのルーク・フィケルとディフェンスラインコーチのマイク・ヴラベルを含む、前年のスタッフから3人のコーチのみを残留させた。マイヤーは、ジム・ボルマンに代わって攻撃コーディネーターとしてトム・ハーマンとエド・ワリンナーを迎え入れ、ジム・ヒーコックに代わって守備コーディネーターとしてエヴェレット・ウィザーズとフィケルを迎え入れた。^[20] マイヤーはまた、フロリダのスタッフからストレングス＆コンディショニングコーチのミッキー・マロッティを迎え入れた。^[21]

2011年シーズン終了後、オハイオ州立大学からは4人の選手が2012年のNFLドラフトで指名された。 マイク・アダムスは第2ラウンドで、デヴィア・ポージーは第3ラウンドで、ダニエル・ヘロンとネイト・エブナーは第6ラウンドで指名された。卒業によりチームを去った他の主要選手には、攻撃陣ではジョー・バウザーマン、マイケル・ブリュースター、JB・シュガーツ、守備陣ではディオンテ・アレン、タイラー・モーラー、アンドリュー・スウェット、ソロモン・トーマスがいた。2012年シーズン前に移籍した選手には、マレー州立大学に移籍したジャマール・ベリー、^[22] デューク大学に移籍したジェレミー・キャッシュ、^[23]ルイビル大学に移籍したジョーダン・ホワイティング^[24]ミシガン州立大学に移籍したケニー・ヘイズがいた。^[25] デルファン・ガンブレルとドミニク・クラークは、チーム規則違反により1月に奨学金から解雇された。^[26]

オハイオ州立大学は、2011 年シーズンから 20 試合に出場し、攻撃と守備で 9 試合、特別チームで 2 試合出場しています。クォーターバックのブラクストン ミラーは、 2011 年シーズン中に 8 試合に出場し、2012 年もバックアイズを率いて復帰します。

スターターとバックアップ。^[27]

オハイオ州立大学の2012年の新入生は、 Scoutによって3位にランク付けされ、^[28] Rivalsによって4位にランク付けされ、 ^[29] ESPNによって6位にランク付けされました。^[30] アーバン・マイヤーがチームのヘッドコーチに任命される前に、13人の選手がバックアイズにコミットしており、マイヤーの雇用後にさらに12人が契約しました。全国署名日に、合計25人の選手がこのクラスに契約しました。オハイオ州立大学のクラスには、ESPN 150から5人の選手が含まれていました：ディフェンシブエンドのノア・スペンス、アドルフス・ワシントン、セボン・ピットマン、オフェンシブガードのジョーイ・オコナー、ディフェンシブタックルのトミー・シュット。^[31]

ビッグ・テン・カンファレンスは、 2010年9月1日に2011年と2012年のシーズンのスケジュールを発表したが、これはネブラスカがカンファレンスに加わった後に改訂された。^[32] 2011年シーズンと同様に、ビッグ・テンは2012年シーズンのスケジュール調整を継続した。その結果、オハイオ州立大学は、イリノイ、インディアナ、ペンシルバニア州立大学、パデュー、ウィスコンシンの5つのリーダーズ・ディビジョンの対戦相手すべてと対戦した。^[32 ] オハイオ州立大学はまた、ミシガン州立大学、ネブラスカ、そして常設のクロスディビジョンの対戦相手であるミシガンの3つのレジェンズ ・ディビジョンの対戦相手とも対戦した。 ^{[32]オハイオ州立大学は、}ミッドアメリカン・カンファレンスのマイアミ（オハイオ州）、カンファレンスUSAのUCFとUAB、Pac-12カンファレンスのカリフォルニアの4つの非カンファレンス試合を行った。オハイオ州立大学はレギュラーシーズンの12試合を超えて進出する資格がなく、ビッグ・テン・チャンピオンシップ・ゲームやボウル・ゲームに参加することもできなかった。

毎週のテレビ中継に加え、2012年シーズンの全試合はオハイオ州立フットボールラジオネットワークで放送された。 ポール・キールズが実況を担当し、ジム・ラシェイが解説、マーティ・バニスターがサイドラインとロッカールームのレポーター、スキップ・モシックが試合前とハーフタイムショーの司会を務めた。^[33]

• 出典: ^[34]

オハイオ州立大学は、オハイオ州コロンバスの蒸し暑く曇り空の午後に2012年シーズンを開始した。 アーバン・マイヤー監督はバックアイズをヘッドコーチとして初めてフィールドに導き、マイアミ・レッドホークスと対戦した。レッドホークスと最後に対戦したのは2005年だった。^[37] 試合は両チームとも攻撃に苦しみ、マイアミのフィールドゴールがそのクォーターの唯一の得点となった。^[38] オハイオ州立大学は第1クォーターで4回のボールポゼッションがあったが、獲得できたのは48ヤードにとどまった。オハイオ州立大学のクォーターバック、ブラクストン・ミラーはパス7回中1回しか成功せず、獲得ヤードはわずか5ヤードだった。^[39] マイアミはバックアイズの守備の崩壊に乗じ、キッカーのケイレブ・パターソンが24ヤードのフィールドゴールを決めてレッドホークスを3対0とリードさせた。マイアミのクォーターバック、ザック・ダイサートはパス23回中13回を成功させ、165ヤードを獲得した。^[39] バックアイズは第2クォーターの初めにミラーからレシーバーのデビン・スミスへの23ヤードのタッチダウンパスで攻撃を逆転させた。7対3のリードはすぐにバックアイズの21対3のリードに変わり、ハーフタイムを迎えた。オハイオ州立大学は第2クォーター中にミラーからスミスとブラウンへの2回のタッチダウンパスと、クォーター後半のカルロス・ハイドのタッチダウンランで4回の攻撃のうち3回で得点することができた。オハイオ州立大学はこのクォーター中に297ヤードを獲得し、マイアミは38ヤードだった。^[39]

試合の後半もオハイオ州立大学の守備と攻撃がステップアップし、リードを保った。バックアイズは第3クォーター開始17秒でミラーの65ヤードタッチダウンランですぐに再び得点を挙げた。バックアイズの守備はレッドホークの攻撃でステップアップし、マイアミのパント試行でファンブルをリカバーしてタッチダウンを決めた。^[38] このファンブルリカバーでオハイオ州立大学は35対3とリードした。マイアミはこのクォーター後半にこの日唯一のタッチダウンを決め、第4クォーターに入るまでに35対10となった。バックアイズのクォーターバック、ブラクストン・ミラーは第3クォーター中に足がつって退場し、ジュニアクォーターバックのケニー・ギートンと交代した。^[38] オハイオ州立大学は第4クォーター中に3回のタッチダウンを決めることができたが、すべて地上戦で、ハイド、ザック・ボーレン、ブリオンテ・ダンがそれぞれ得点した。オハイオ州立大学は56対10で勝利し、シーズン成績は1勝0敗となり、ヘッドコーチのマイヤーはバックアイズのヘッドコーチとして初の勝利を収めた。オハイオ州立大学は試合中に538ヤードを獲得したが、マイアミ大学は試合中に合計312ヤードしか獲得できなかった。ブラクストン・ミラーは24回中14回のパスを成功させて207ヤードと2回のタッチダウンパスを獲得し、ケニー・ギトンは9回中5回のパスを成功させて37ヤードを獲得した。^[35] ミラーはまた合計161ヤードを獲得し、オハイオ州立大学のクォーターバックの新記録を樹立した。^[36]

オハイオ州立大学は初めてセントラルフロリダ大学 ナイツと対戦し、オハイオスタジアムに104,745人の観客を迎えた。バックアイズは前週よりもはるかに速いペースで試合を開始し、試合最初の攻撃ドライブで71ヤードを走り、最終的にはブラクストン・ミラーの37ヤードランでタッチダウンを決め、オハイオ州立大学に7対0のリードを早めた。バックアイズのディフェンスも序盤から効果的で、ナイツの最初の2回の攻撃を阻止した。しかし、オハイオ州立大学がミッドフィールドでターンオーバーを起こした後、セントラルフロリダ大学はフィールドを駆け下り、ショーン・モフィットのフィールドゴールで得点を挙げた。^[42] 第1クォーターはオハイオ州立大学が7対3で終了し、第2クォーター序盤のドリュー・バジルのフィールドゴールでバックアイズが10対3とリードした。しかし、前週とは対照的に、オハイオ州立大学は第2クォーターでナイツを引き離すことができず、第2クォーター中盤のナイツの非常に効率的な78ヤードドライブでブレイク・ボートルズがタッチダウンパスを決め、10対10で同点となった。^[43]次のオハイオ州立大学の攻撃権では、バックアイズはボールを保持できず、中盤付近でのファンブルによりナイツにボールを渡した。しかし、わずか数プレー後、バックアイズはトラビス・ハワードのインターセプトでボールを奪い返した。ターンオーバーにより、バックアイズは8プレー、48ヤードのドライブでタッチダウンを決め、オハイオ州立大学はハーフタイムまでに17対10でリードした。オハイオ州立大学は前半で合計240ヤードを獲得し、5回のポゼッションのうち3回で得点した。^[43]

後半はバックアイズにとって幸先の良い展開となり、最初の攻撃でミラーからジェイク・ストーンバーナーへのタッチダウンパスを決めた。ナイツはエティエンヌ・サビーノがボルツをインターセプトした後、オハイオ州立大学にボールを返した。オハイオ州立大学は再び攻撃に転じ、ミラーのランで31対10とリードし、第3クォーター残り8分8秒で21点のリードを奪った。しかし、UCFは次の攻撃で反撃し、14回のプレーで84ヤードを進み、ボルツのタッチダウンパスでドライブを終えた。^[43] この追加点は新入生のアドルファス・ワシントンにブロックされ、バックアイズが31対16で第4クォーターに入った。^[41] ナイツは第4クォーター開始時にオハイオ州立大学陣地深くでボールを保持していたが、オハイオ州立大学の別のインターセプトによりUCFの得点は阻止された。^[41]ペナルティとミスプレイにより、バックアイズの攻撃はその日の残り時間停滞したが、バックアイズのディフェンスはUCFをエンドゾーンから遠ざけ、第4クォーターでは得点を許さなかった。オハイオ州立大学は31対16で試合に勝利し、シーズン成績は2勝0敗となった。オハイオ州立大学は合計411ヤードの攻撃を行い、そのうち256ヤードはランニングゲームによるものだった。^[41] ブラクストン・ミラーは、この日25回中19回のパスを成功させ、141ヤードでチームをリードした。^[40]

Ohio State faced the California Golden Bears in their third game of the season on a sunny afternoon at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes last faced the Golden Bears during the 1972 season.^[46] The game began with both teams struggling on offense with both the Buckeyes and the Golden Bears first possessions resulting in punts. Ohio State also punted on their second possession, but was able on the next drive due to a 55-yard Braxton Miller touchdown run. Drew Basil capped off the drive with a missed extra point, which allowed California to take the lead on their following possession, after a 75-yard drive.^[44] Ohio State responded with a 75-yard drive of their own and ended the first quarter holding a 13–7 lead. The second quarter saw a tremendously slower pace for both teams, with the only scoring coming from a touchdown pass from Miller to Stoneburner.^[44] Following a drive filled with penalties, California was unable to take advantage of a 40-yard field goal, missing it and sending Ohio State into the half with a 20–7 lead.^[47]

The Ohio State offense was unable to put together a serious drive in the third quarter and defense was unable to make key stops on crucial plays. A Bredan Bigelow 81-yard touchdown run, the third longest run given up at Ohio Stadium, gave the Golden Bears the only points of the quarter, cutting the Buckeyes lead to 20–14.^[45] The Golden Bears missed a 42-yard field goal that would have brought them to within three points; however were on the Buckeye side of the field heading into the fourth quarter. An eight-play, 46-yard touchdown drive gave the Golden Bears a 21–20 lead, their first lead of the game. However, the Buckeyes responded, executing an 11-play drive which resulted in the Buckeyes taking a 26–21 lead, and after a successful two-point conversion, took a 28–21 lead with 8:31 lead.^[47] Two plays later, Bigelow was again off to the end zone and tied the game at 28–28 midway through the fourth. Ohio State put together a drive for a 72-yard touchdown pass from Miller to Devin Smith, giving Ohio State a 35–28 lead.^[47] The Buckeye defense held for the final three minutes and following an interception from Christian Bryant, the Buckeyes ran out the clock to their third victory of the season, starting 3–0. Braxton Miller threw for 249 yards and completed 16 of 30 passes with five touchdowns, four on passes and one run.^[47] Returning starter Jordan Hall ran for 87 yards on 17 attempts with wide receiver Devin Smith accounting for 145 yards on five receptions.^[47] Linebacker Ryan Shazier led the way for the defense with 13 tackles and one sack.^[45]

The Buckeyes faced the UAB Blazers of the University of Alabama at Birmingham for the first time ever on a mild afternoon at Ohio Stadium in front of a capacity crowd. Ohio State began the game slowly on offense, as they had in their previous non-conference games. UAB dominated the majority of the first quarter with the Blazers out-gaining the Buckeyes in total offensive yards 99 to 42.^[50] With both team struggling to put together any offensive threat early, the special teams for UAB provided the key play of the first quarter on a blocked punt by Calvin Jones, which gave the Blazers a 6–0 lead, after the extra point was blocked. UAB went ahead 9–0 early in the second quarter; however, they only held the lead briefly as Braxton Miller and the Ohio State offense quickly put together a 75-yard drive, ending in a Rod Smith touchdown run.^[50] Following a UAB field goal, Ohio State put together two touchdown drives in the last two minutes of the first half, one a Miller 12-yard touchdown run and another a touchdown run from fullback Zach Boren. Going into halftime, Ohio State held a 21–12 lead.^[50]

Ohio State deferred the ball at the beginning of the game and was set to receive to begin the second half; however, UAB head coach Garrick McGee called an onside to begin the second half, with the Blazers recovering. The Ohio State defense held up against the Blazer offense, but as was the case in the first quarter, the offense was unable to mount any significant threat. UAB once again out-gained the Buckeyes during the quarter, 107 to 43 in total offensive yardage, but penalties, especially three chop-block calls, would eventually stall any scoring chances.^[51] The fourth quarter began with UAB kicker Ty Long converting on a 34-yard field goal cutting the Buckeyes lead to 21–15.^[50] The Ohio State defense continued to hold against UAB and would shut them out the remainder of the game. The Buckeye offense went on a 71-yard drive ending in a Braxton Miller touchdown run with about five minutes remaining in the game, which would eventually put the game out of reach for UAB and give the Buckeyes the 29–15 victory.^[51] With the win, Ohio State moved to 4–0 on the season and was undefeated heading into Big Ten conference play. Urban Meyer also became the first Ohio State head coach since Earle Bruce to win his first four games coached.^[49] UAB out-gained Ohio State in total offensive yardage throughout the entire game 403 to 347 as well as in total first downs 22 to 20. Miller completed 12 of 20 passes, rushed for 84 yards and scored two touchdowns.^[48] Running back Jordan Hall, in his second game following his injury, led the team in rushing with 105 total rushing yards.^[48]

Ohio State traveled to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans for their first Big Ten game of the year, as well as their first game away from Columbus. The Buckeyes were looking for revenge for last year's 10–7 loss at Ohio Stadium, which was Michigan State's first victory over the Buckeyes since 1999.^[54][55] The Buckeyes opened the game by marched down the field on eight plays and scoring a touchdown to take a 7–0 lead on their first possession. Michigan State responded with a Dan Conroy field goal on their opening drive to make it 7–3 early in the first quarter.^[56] As the tempo of the game began to slow down, both defenses began to take over the game. The Ohio State special teams blocked a punt during the second quarter, but it proved to be in vain as Braxton Miller threw an interception afterwards. As was the case earlier, the rest of the second quarter was a defense battle, with no one scoring and Michigan State kicker Dan Conroy missing a field goal, which would later prove to be the deciding points. The first half ended with the score remaining 7–3.^[56]

The second half began just like the first half with both offenses scoring early. Michigan State kicked their second field goal of the day with 11:04 remaining in the third, which closed the gap to a 7–6 game. Ohio State and Drew Basil would respond with an impressive drive of their own, resulting in a field goal and pushing it to a four-point game again at 10–6. Michigan State would score their first touchdown of the game midway through the third quarter on a 29-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Maxwell to Keith Mumphrey. Mumphrey was able to break several Buckeye tackles and score, giving the Spartans a 13–10 lead. Once again the Buckeyes would respond quickly, this time on a four play touchdown drive, which ended with Braxton Miller throwing a 63-yard touchdown pass to Devin Smith.^[52] With the touchdown, Ohio State led the game 17–13, which would be the score at the end of the third quarter. Michigan State had several opportunities throughout the fourth quarter to take the lead away from Ohio State, but penalties and missed field goals would eventually halt any momentum. The Spartans did convert on a Dan Conroy 48-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter to make it a 17–16.^[56] After the Buckeye defense stopping the Spartans from scoring to take the lead, the Ohio State offense would run out the clock and end the game with a 17–16 victory. The win was Ohio State's first Big Ten conference win of the season, as well as head coach Urban Meyer's first Big Ten win. The win also kept Ohio State undefeated at 5–0 on the season. Braxton Miller led the team in both rushing and passing, completing 16 of 23 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown, along with 145 rushing yards.^[53]

The Buckeyes played host to the Nebraska Cornhuskers under the lights at Ohio Stadium on homecoming in front of the largest crowd in Ohio Stadium history.^[57] In their previous meeting, Nebraska defeated the Buckeyes in their first meeting as conference foes, 34–27, during the 2011 season.^[59] Ohio State started out slowly on offense, but scored the first points of the game following a Bradley Roby interception return for a touchdown. The Nebraska offense came back to score on their two drives to end the first quarter.^[60] Two Ameer Abdullah touchdown runs gave Nebraska their first lead of the night at 14–7 at the end of the first quarter. Nebraska continued to dominate on offense during the first quarter and scored a field goal following an eight-play drive, giving them a 17–7 lead.^[60] Ohio State responded on their first drive of the second quarter, with a Carlos Hyde touchdown run. The Cornhuskers and the Buckeyes would shoot it out offensively throughout the second quarter. A touchdown pass from Ohio State's Braxton Miller and a touchdown run for Nebraska's Taylor Martinez led to a 24–21 score favoring Nebraska midway through the second quarter.^[57] Ohio State ended the quarter with Carlos Hyde and Braxton Miller both scoring on touchdown runs, giving the Buckeyes a 35–24 lead at halftime.

The second half continued the offensive showdown seen during the second quarter. Nebraska scored on their first possession of the half on a Martinez touchdown pass, closing the score to 35–31. However, both the Ohio State offense and defense would step up throughout the third and fourth quarters. Ohio State scored two touchdowns during the third quarter, on two Carlos Hyde touchdown runs and on a Corey Brown punt return. Ohio State held a 49–31 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Buckeyes early in the fourth quarter put the game away with a 56–31 lead, and did not give up another Nebraska score until midway through the fourth quarter on a Martinez touchdown run.^[60] Ohio State scored their final touchdown of the game with just seconds remaining and won 63–38. Ohio State moved to 6–0 on the season and 2–0 in conference play, becoming the only undefeated team remaining in the Big Ten. Ohio State out-gained the Cornhuskers in total yardage 498 to 437. Braxton Miller led the Buckeyes in both rushing and passing, scoring two touchdowns.^[57]

The Buckeyes faced their first Leaders Division counterpart of the season in the Indiana Hoosiers. In their previous meeting, the Buckeyes defeated Indiana 34–20, during the 2011 season.^[63] The Buckeyes began the game well on offense with their first possession going nine plays and finishing with Corey Brown touchdown run. A Drew Basil field goal later in the first quarter gave the Buckeyes a 10–0 lead. This Buckeye lead soon disappeared on the ensuing Hoosiers drives. Stephen Houston scored on a 59- and a 7-yard touchdown run, giving the Hoosiers their first and only lead of the evening at 14–10, early in the second quarter.^[64] After struggling on offense earlier in the second quarter, they capitalized on their final drives of the half. A Bradley Roby blocked punt return and a Devin Smith touchdown reception from Braxton Miller allowed the Buckeyes to head into halftime with a 24–14 lead.^[62]

The second half of the game turned into an offense shootout, with both teams capitalizing on big plays, while the defense struggled consistently getting off of the field. Mitch Ewald kicked a field goal for the Hoosiers after their first drive of the half, which was followed by a 67-yard touchdown run for Miller and the Buckeyes. Indiana scored their first passing touchdown of the game in the third quarter on a pass from Cameron Coffman to Shane Wynn. Carlos Hyde scored a touchdown for Ohio State on a 14-yard run, giving the Buckeyes a 38–27 lead heading into the fourth quarter.^[64] The offensive shootout continued into the fourth quarter with Indiana dominating the Ohio State defense for most of the quarter. Hyde scored another rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter, giving the Buckeyes a 45–27 lead. A Hoosier rushing touchdown, followed by a Miller touchdown pass, kept Ohio State ahead 52–34 midway through the fourth quarter.^[62] The Hoosiers mounted a comeback later in the fourth with Indiana scoring on a 12-yard touchdown pass and closing the lead to a 14-point game.^[64] An onside kick recovered by the Hoosiers allowed them to drive down and score on another pass touchdown from quarterback Nate Sudfeld, with the two-point conversion successful. Ohio State recovered the final onside kick and avoided the upset, insuring their 52–49 win and a 7–0 record on the season, as well as a 3–0 conference record. Carlos Hyde led the Buckeyes in rushing with 156 yards and one touchdown.^[61] Braxton Miller led the Buckeyes in passing yards with 211 and three touchdowns.^[61]

Ohio State returned to Ohio Stadium to face the Purdue Boilermakers. In their previous meeting, Purdue defeated the Buckeyes 26–23 in overtime, during the 2011 season.^[67] Purdue scored quickly on their first possession with an 83-yard pass from Caleb TerBush to Akeem Shavers that would give them a 6–0 lead just 17 seconds into the game. The extra point attempt by Paul Griggs was blocked and allowed Ohio State to take the lead later in the quarter, at 7–6, after a Braxton Miller touchdown run. Purdue continued to score on big plays by taking back the ensuing kickoff 100-yards, which would give the Boilermakers a 13–7 lead.^[65] Purdue's kick return would be the last points scored in the first half, with a defensive battle beginning to take shape. The Boilermaker defense was able to shut down the Buckeye offense, forcing them to punt on many of their drives throughout the second quarter. Purdue was able to threaten in Ohio State territory, however a C.J. Barnett interception and a Griggs missed field goal would ensure that the Boilermakers went into halftime with only a six-point lead.^[66]

Both teams opened the second half punting on their first drives respectively. On their second drive of the half, the Buckeyes drove down and scored on a Carlos Hyde run, giving then the lead back, at 14–13. A 31-yard touchdown completion from Terbush to Gary Bush on Purdue's next drive switched the lead back to the Boilermakers at 20–14. A Braxton Miller fumble for the Buckeyes and a Griggs blocked field goal for the Boilermakers would keep both teams out of the end zone for the remainder of the third quarter. Late in the third quarter Miller took the ball and ran for 24 yards, but at the same time was pushed to the ground and remained there for several minutes.^[66] Kenny Guiton was brought in to replace Miller and led the team for the remainder of the game.^[68] Ohio State punted early in the fourth quarter as did Purdue on their first drive of the quarter. On the Buckeye's second drive of the quarter an illegal block penalty on Andrew Norwell was accepted for a safety, giving the Boilermakers a 22–14 lead.^[65] Purdue was unable capitalize on the Buckeye's mistake, punting on their next drive. A Guiton interception on the Buckeye's next drive made an Ohio State comeback seem improbable, however, the Buckeye defense forced the Boilermakers to punt, giving them one last chance. Guiton was able to drive Ohio State down to the goal line and throw a touchdown pass to Chris Fields, with a two-point conversion pass to Jeff Heuerman, which tied the game at 22–22.^[69] In overtime, Ohio State went on offense first and would score in five plays on a Carlos Hyde run, giving them a 29–22 lead.^[69] The Buckeye defense was able to stop the Boilermakers on offense and ensure the win, going 8–0 overall and 4–0 in conference play.^[66][69]

Ohio State traveled to Happy Valley to renew their annual rivalry with the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Buckeyes previous game against the Nittany Lions came during the 2011 season, when Penn State defeated the Buckeyes 20–14.^[72] In the previous week, starting quarterback Braxton Miller left the game against Purdue at the end of the third quarter and did not return. Miller was cleared to return to the team later in the day and would start against Penn State.^[73] The first quarter was very uneventful for both teams, with each drive ending in a punt.^[74] The stalemate was finally broken on Ohio State's sixth drive, in which Mike Hull blocked a Ben Buchannan punt in the endzone, giving Penn State a 7–0 lead midway through the second quarter. Ohio State would respond on their next offensive drive, driving for 75 yards and scoring on a Carlos Hyde touchdown run, tying the score heading into halftime.^[71]

The defensive battle continued early in the second half, giving the edge to Ohio State.^[74] On Penn State's first drive of the third quarter, Ryan Shazier intercepted a Matt McGloin pass and returned it 17-yards for a touchdown.^[74] Sam Ficken would kick a 27-yard field goal on Penn State's ensuing drive, giving the Nittany Lions their first offensive points of the day and closing the score to 14–10. Penn State would force a Braxton Miller interception on the next drive, but would eventually have to punt. Ohio State was then able to drive 57 yards and score on a Braxton Miller touchdown run, giving them the 21–10 advantage midway through the third quarter. Ohio State's next offensive drive ended in the same fashion, on a Miller run, giving them a 28–10 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Penn State was finally able to score their first offensive touchdown early in the fourth quarter off of a McGloin pass. Miller completed a touchdown pass to Jake Stoneburner on Ohio State's next driving, further knocking Penn State out of the game with their 35–16 advantage.^[70] The Nittany Lions scored on their last offensive drive of the game, making the final score 35–23 in favor of Ohio State. The win kept Ohio State undefeated and put them at 5–0 in Big Ten conference play.^[75] Miller rushed for over 100 yards for the sixth time of the season while also passing for 143 yards.^[71]

Ohio State entered their annual matchup with Leaders Division foe Illinois undefeated and ranked sixth in the AP Poll. In their previous meeting, the Buckeyes defeated Illinois 17–7, during the 2011 season, winning the Illibuck trophy for the fourth consecutive season.^[78] Illinois received the ball first in the first quarter and were forced to punt, as was Ohio State on their first drive. Illinois would get on the board first, with a 39-yard drive that ended on a Nick Immekus 43-yard field goal, giving the Illini a 3–0 lead. Ohio State answered on their next offensive drive, going 79 yards in ten plays, while taking a 7–3 lead on a Carlos Hyde rush.^[76] A field goal on the next Illini drive would bring them within one point of the Buckeyes heading into the second quarter. The Ohio State offense, though, would be able break the game open during the second quarter, scoring 24 points and taking command of the game.^[76] The Buckeyes would score on their first four drives of the half, starting with a Drew Basil field goal, expanding the Ohio State lead to 10–6. Another Carlos Hyde touchdown rush and a Braxton Miller touchdown pass would put the Buckeyes up 24–6, with another Hyde touchdown run giving Ohio State the 31–6 advantage. The Buckeye defense would force Illinois to punt three times in the quarter and would intercept a Nathan Scheelhaase pass that would ensure they did not get into the endzone during the quarter.^[79]

The Ohio State defense was able to continue their superb performance in the third quarter, forcing the Illini to punt of their first drive of the half. Another touchdown, off of a Braxton Miller run, would give Ohio State a commanding 38–6 lead. Illinois scored their first touchdown of the game at the end of the third quarter and converted two points off of a Tim Russell pass. With the game well in hand by the fourth quarter, Ohio State was able to put in many second-string players, but were still able to score two touchdowns in the quarter on a Braxton Miller pass to Corey Brown and a Bri'onte Dunn run. The only Illini score for the remainder of the game came midway through the fourth quarter with a fumble recovery taken to the endzone. Ohio State won the blowout 52–22 and improved to 10–0 on the season and 6–0 in conference play. Braxton Miller carried the ball 18 times on the day for 73 yards and completed 12 of 20 passes for 226 yards.^[77][80]

Ohio State traveled to Madison in their final road game of the season to face the Wisconsin Badgers. In their previous meeting, the Buckeyes defeated Wisconsin 33–29, during the 2011 season.^[83] Wisconsin received the ball first on offense, however, the Buckeye defense was able to force a three-and-out and set the tone for the remainder of the game. Braxton Miller and the Buckeyes offense drove 48 yards on their first possession of the game, but were forced to punt as well. A 43-yard punt return by Corey Brown late in the first quarter was the first score of the game, giving Ohio State the early 7–0 advantage.^[81] Braxton Miller moved Ohio State into good field position, which allowed Carlos Hyde to score his first touchdown of the game, giving the Buckeyes a 14–0 lead early in the second quarter. Montee Ball, who rushed for 191 yards on the day, would be instrumental in Wisconsin's fifth drive of the game.^[82] Ball would score for the Badgers on a 7-yard touchdown run.^[81] The defense for both teams began to take the game over again, with neither team scoring any more points in the first half. Ohio State went into half time with a 14–7 lead.

As in the first half, defense was the dominant force, in the second half of the game, with neither team getting into the end zone in the third quarter. Ohio State was forced to punt twice during the quarter, while the Badgers began to put a drive together midway through the third, not giving the ball back to the Buckeyes for the remainder of the quarter. The drive would end with Wisconsin kicker Kyle French missing a 40-yard field goal, keeping intact the 14–7 Buckeye lead. The Buckeye offense, incapable of doing much in the third quarter, faced the same problems in the fourth, with the Wisconsin defense forcing them to punt on every drive during the quarter.^[84] Wisconsin got the ball back in Buckeye territory with 1:33 to go in the game. Behind quarterback Curt Phillips and running back Montee Ball, the Badgers drove down and scored a touchdown on a Jacob Pederson reception with eight seconds left.^[85] Ohio State elected to go into overtime with the score at the end of regulation being 14–14. Ohio State was on offense first in the overtime period and scored on a Carlos Hyde touchdown run in four plays, giving them the 21–14 advantage.^[81] Wisconsin, needing a touchdown to force a second overtime, was not able to get a first down and was stopped by the Buckeye defense, giving Ohio State the victory. Ohio State won the Leaders Division of the Big Ten following the victory, but were still ineligible to go to the Big Ten Championship Game.^[82][85] Ohio State left Madison with an 11–0 record for the first time since the 2006 season and were in position to complete their first undefeated season since 2002 with one game remaining against arch rival Michigan.

The Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines continued their annual fierce rivalry on November 24. The 108th edition of "The Game" marked the regular-season finale for both teams and the season finale for Ohio State due to their post-season ban. The game also marked Urban Meyer's first time as the head coach for the Buckeyes in "The Game" and Michigan head coach Brady Hoke's second game. In their previous meeting, Michigan defeated the Buckeyes 40–34 in 2011, Michigan's first victory over Ohio State since 2003.^[88] The Buckeyes opened the game on offense and took six plays to drive 75 yards and score a touchdown on a Carlos Hyde run. With Ohio State taking the early 7–0 lead, Michigan turned to starting quarterback Devin Gardner, who replaced Denard Robinson after his injury a few weeks earlier.^[89] Robinson was still used as a running threat throughout the game. On the Wolverines' first drive, Gardner was sacked deep in Ohio State territory, fumbled, giving the ball and the momentum to the Buckeyes. Michigan forced an Ohio State punt, but were penned deep in their own territory. The Wolverines made up for the field position in one play with a 75-yard touchdown pass from Devin Gardner to Roy Roundtree tying the game at seven. On the ensuing Ohio State possession, Braxton Miller gained the majority of the yards through the air and the ground, moving the Buckeyes to the Michigan 24-yard line, allowing Drew Basil to kick the 41-yard field goal and give Ohio State the 10–7 lead. The Wolverines were able to score a touchdown on their first possession of the second quarter, on a Gardner run, switching the lead to Michigan for the first time at 14–10. The Wolverine defense stopped the Buckeyes on their next possession, however, they could not get anything going on their next offensive drive. Towards the end of the second quarter, Ohio State drove 59 yards with Miller completing a touchdown pass to Corey Brown, giving Ohio State the 17–14 lead. Michigan responded quickly with Robinson scoring his first touchdown of the day on a 67-yard run and giving Michigan the lead once again. A Drew Basil field goal in the waning seconds of the first half closed the score, but the Wolverines still led at half time 21–20.^[90]

Michigan opened the second half with the ball on offense, but were unable to convert on fourth down and turned the ball over to the Buckeyes at midfield. Ohio State was unable to get into the endzone on the ensuing drive, but were able to take the lead back from the Wolverines on a Drew Basil field goal, making the score 23–21 in favor of the Buckeyes.^[91] Robinson fumbled the ball on Michigan's next offensive drive and gave the Buckeyes the ball in Wolverine territory, however, the drive would end in a Basil missed field goal. The two defenses continued to battle into the fourth quarter with both teams struggling to get any momentum on offense. Ohio State scored their final points of the game midway through the fourth on a 25-yard Basil field goal, giving the Buckeyes a 26–21 lead. Michigan continued to battle on their next offensive drive, being down only one possession, but a Gardner interception with 4:50 to play sealed the victory for the Buckeyes.^[92] The Ohio State defense would not allow the Wolverines to cross the 50-yard line the entire second half. Head coach Urban Meyer would call a timeout with 1:26 remaining in the game to allow the crowd and players to soak in the victory and the perfect season, even commenting after the game that, "this is a great team."^[93]

Ohio State beat Michigan 26–21 and ensured that the Wolverines would not win consecutive games in the rivalry for the first time since 2000, nor would the Wolverines have a share of the Legends Division title (though Nebraska would have held the tie-breaker to play in the conference championship game). The win also completed the undefeated season for the Buckeyes, going 12–0 overall and 8–0 in the Big Ten. This was the first undefeated season for the Buckeyes since 2002, the tenth overall, and the sixth unbeaten and untied season for the program.^[92] The game made Urban Meyer the most successful first-year head coach in Buckeyes history since Carroll Widdoes in 1944. Braxton Miller passed for 189 yard on the day, with Carlos Hyde leading the team in rushing yards with 146 yards. Gardner threw for 117 yards, while Robinson led the team in rushing with 122 yards. Ohio State was ineligible for the BCS or the Coaches Poll national championship, but was still eligible for the AP Poll national championship. However, the Buckeyes fell behind the BCS national champion Alabama Crimson Tide and the second-ranked Oregon Ducks to finish the season ranked third.^[94]

Entering the 2012 season, the Buckeyes were ranked No. 18 in the AP Preseason Poll, while they were ineligible for the Coaches' Poll, due to NCAA sanctions.^[95][96] After Ohio State's 56–10 win over Miami (Ohio), they moved to No. 14 in the AP Poll.^[97] After the Buckeyes' 63–38 win over Nebraska, who was ranked No. 21, Ohio State moved into the top ten of the AP Poll at No. 8.^[98] The first BCS Standings of the season came out on October 14, however, like the Coaches' Poll, the Buckeyes were ineligible for either the BCS Standings or Harris Poll. The Buckeyes' 29–22 overtime victory over Purdue would drop Ohio State from No. 7 to No. 9.^[99] Entering their final game with Michigan, the Buckeyes were ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll,^[100] with the 26–21 victory moving them to No. 3 the final poll of the regular season.^[101] Though they were not eligible, many projected that Ohio State would have been ranked No. 3 in the final BCS standings, behind Alabama and Notre Dame at the end of the regular season.^[102] Ohio State was still eligible for the AP National Championship, which is separate from the BCS National Championship Game.^[103] Though Notre Dame's loss in the National Championship Game left Ohio State as the only undefeated team in the Division I Football Subdivision, they were behind the national champion Alabama Crimson Tide and the Oregon Ducks.^[94] Ohio State finished the 2012 season ranked No. 3 in the final AP Poll.^[94]

• Sources:^[104]

After the victory over Michigan, Ohio State fans celebrated the perfect season with a ceremony at St. John Arena on December 7.^[105] Thousands attended the rally, which featured the Ohio State University Marching Band, as well as comments from Gordon Gee, Urban Meyer and many of the seniors.^[106] Former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith presented the team with the Big Ten Leaders Division Championship trophy.^[106]

After their victory of Michigan in the final regular season game, Ohio State's final team statistics were released. On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State ranked 31st in scoring defense (22.83 points per game), 34th in total defense (359.58 yards per game), fourteenth in rushing defense (116.08 yards per game) and 76th in pass defense (243.50 yards per game).^[107] In conference, Ohio State ranked second in rushing defense and eleventh in passing defense.^[107] Ohio State ranked second in the nation in total defense during the month of November.^[108] On the offensive side of the ball, Ohio State ranked 21st in scoring offense (37.17 points per game), 47th in total offense (423.75 yards per game), tenth in rushing offense (242.25 yards per game) and 101st in passing offense (181.50 yards per game).^[107] In conference, Ohio State ranked second in rushing offense and eighth in passing offense.^[107]

In the weeks following the conclusion of the regular season, multiple Ohio State players were honored for their on-field performances with a variety of awards and recognition. The Big Ten recognized several players for their individual performances with various awards. Quarterback Braxton Miller, guard Andrew Norwell, defensive lineman John Simon, linebacker Ryan Shazier, and cornerbacks Bradley Roby and Travis Howard were all named to the Media All-Big Ten First Team.^[109] Running back Carlos Hyde, tackle Jack Mewhort and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins were all named to the Media All-Big Ten Second Team.^[109] Defensive backs C.J. Barnett, Corey Brown and Christian Bryant, offensive linemen Reid Fragel and Corey Linsley, and linebacker Etienne Sabino were all named Media All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.^[109] Three players were named to the Coaches' All-Big Ten First Team including Hankins, John Simon and Bradley Roby.^[109] Braxton Miller, Carlos Hyde, wide receiver Corey Brown, Ryan Shazier and Christian Bryant were named to the Coaches' All-Big Ten Second Team.^[109] Braxton Miller won the Big Ten Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year award, with John Simon winning the Big Ten Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year award.^[109]

In addition to the conference awards, several players were also named to various All-American Teams. Johnathan Hankins and Bradley Roby were named to the AP All-American Second Team, while John Simon was named to the AP All-American Third Team.^[110] Hankins was named to the All-American First Team by Scout.com, while Bradley Roby was named to the All-American First Team by ESPN.^[111][112] Many Ohio State players were also award finalists, including Braxton Miller, who was a finalist for the Manning Award and John Simon, who was a finalist for the Bowden Award.^[113][114] The coaching staff was also recognized for their achievements with head coach Urban Meyer being a finalist for the Football Writers Association of America coach of the year, Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award and Bear Bryant coach of the year.^[115][116] Buckeye offensive line coach E Warinner was also recognized by FootballScoop as the offensive line coach of the year.^[117] Several Buckeye players were invited to the many postseason All-Star games. Reid Fragel and John Simon were the two Buckeyes invited to the 2013 Senior Bowl, with Fragel pulling out and Simon playing for the North Team.^[118] Nathan Williams and Travis Howard were the only Buckeyes that participated in the 2013 East–West Shrine Game,^[119] while safety Orhian Johnson represented Ohio State in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.^[120]

Ten players from Ohio State were entered into the NFL Draft, nine seniors and one underclassmen. On defense, Johnathan Hankins, John Simon, Etienne Sabino, Travis Howard, Nathan Williams, Orhian Johnson and Garrett Goebel all entered. Hankins, the only junior from Ohio State in the draft, was projected to be drafted in the first round.^[121] Simon was projected to be selected in the third round, with Sabino and Howard projected to go around the fifth round.^[121] On offense, Reid Fragel, Jake Stoneburner and Zach Boren were all entered. Stoneburner and Boren were both expected to be selected late in the sixth or seventh round.^[121] In February 2013, seven Ohio State players were invited to the NFL Combine, including Johnathan Hankins, Nate Williams, Etienne Sabino, Zach Boren, Reid Fragel, Jake Stoneburner and John Simon.^[122]

Overall, three Buckeyes were selected during the draft. Hankins was selected in the second round by the New York Giants, Simon was selected in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens and Fragel was selected in the seventh round by the Cincinnati Bengals.^[123]

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