Leading into the Buckeyes' matchup with the San Diego State Aztecs, Urban Meyer made it clear to the team how vital it was to maintain their focus.
The Buckeyes had no problem getting into a groove. The defense started by forcing a three-and-out, and the offense quickly worked its way down the field. They quickly entered Aztec territory, but faced a fourth-and-short situation at the San Diego State 12-yard line.
After picking up the first down on a run, Braxton Miller landed under two San Diego State players after the tackle. Miller's helmet came off, and he appeared to simultaneously hit his head and twist his leg underneath a tackler. Miller walked off the field under his own power, and was replaced by backup Kenny Guiton.
On the very next play, the explosive Dontre Wilson ran it in for a 7-yard touchdown.
On the Aztec's next possession, QB Adam Dingwell curiously decided to throw into triple coverage when he had a receiver open in the flat, and Doran Grant picked him off at the OSU 48-yard line.
Ohio State wasn't letting up. Guiton took over where Miller left off, and connected with Corey Brown for a beautiful 27-yard touchdown with 6:23 left in the first.
San Diego State decided to hook Dingwell, having seen enough after an 0-5 start with an interception. In came Quinn Kaehler, who didn't seem any more at ease than Dingwell.
The Buckeyes were methodical on both sides of the ball - Kenny Guiton sliced and diced the Aztecs on short yardage plays, and displayed great chemistry with WR Corey Brown. With time expiring in the first quarter, Jordan Hall ran in another touchdown to make it 21-0.
At the end of the first, the Aztecs had put up a total of -3 Buckeyes, and it appears the Buckeyes are well on their way to a blowout. The loss of Miller is a concern, but he didn't appear to have suffered a serious injury, and Kenny Guiton is proving to be an excellent deputy.
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