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Buckeyes Get a Scare, but Beat Spartans 24-17

No. 1 Ohio State stays perfect despite huge Michigan State rally

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2007 4:32 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Ohio State Buckeyes fought off a Michigan State comeback yesterday to cling to their undefeated status and retain their perch atop the BCS standings, reports the Columbus Dispatch. After seeing a 24-point lead shrink to seven points in the game's final minutes, the Buckeyes woke up and rushed past the Spartans to nail down the victory.

Chris "Beanie" Wells put up 221 yards on the ground for Ohio State, despite being hobbled by a bone chip in his ankle. Michigan State had a paltry 59 yards rushing, and 126 passing yards to Todd Boeckman's 193, which makes the Spartans' 17 unanswered points in the second half all the more ominous to Buckeye supporters.

Ohio State wide receiver Brian Hartline (9) makes a reception over Michigan State's Travis Key (13) during the first quarter of a college football game Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
Ohio State wide receiver Brian Hartline (9) makes a reception over Michigan State's Travis Key (13) during the first quarter of a college football game Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Kiichiro...   (Associated Press)
Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel, left, bumps fists with kicker A.J. Trapasso (15) during the first quarter of a college football game Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)
Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel, left, bumps fists with kicker A.J. Trapasso (15) during the first quarter of a college football game Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)   (Associated Press)
Michigan State's Otis Wiley (21) runs his interception for a touchdown during the third quarter of a football game against Ohio State Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won 24-17. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Michigan State's Otis Wiley (21) runs his interception for a touchdown during the third quarter of a football game against Ohio State Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won 24-17. (AP...   (Associated Press)
Ohio State tight end Jake Ballard (86) makes a touchdown reception during the first quarter of a college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
Ohio State tight end Jake Ballard (86) makes a touchdown reception during the first quarter of a college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Kiichiro...   (Associated Press)
Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman (17) scrumbles during the fourth quarter of a college football game against Michigan State Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman (17) scrumbles during the fourth quarter of a college football game against Michigan State Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)   (Associated Press)
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