ANN ARBOR — In the middle of one of the top rivalries in college athletics, dual-threat quarterbacks Denard Robinson and Braxton Miller traded blows as No. 15 Michigan snapped a seven-game losing streak to Ohio State with a 40-34 victory.

Robinson completed 14-of-17 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns as the Wolverines (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) put themselves in contention for a BCS birth. The junior quarterback also led the team on the ground with a game-high 170 yards and two scores.

Miller did his best to lead the Buckeyes (6-6, 3-5) totaling 335 of the team’s 372 yards. The freshman quarterback had 235 yards on 14-of-25 passing with two touchdowns and one interception, as well as 100 yards and one score on the ground.

Still, with Miller’s success, the freshman overthrew multiple receivers open on deep passes, including a possible game-winning 76-yard touchdown which sailed high over senior DeVier Posey’s head.

Michigan had a chance to seal the game late after rusher Fitzgerald Toussaint, who gained 120 yards on the day, appeared to put the Wolverines up 10 with just over two minutes remaining with a rushing touchdown but replays showed the junior’s knee hit just before the goal line. A Robinson touchdown on the next play was nullified by a holding call and a personal foul following the play forced UM to settle for a 43-yard field goal and a six-point lead.

After Miller missed the open Posey, the quarterback scrambled and dove into contact for a first down on 4th and 6. Miller couldn’t convert 4th down on the next possession, however, as sophomore cornerback Courtney Avery sealed the game with an interception.

Ohio State looked strong early. After a 16-yard first down run by Miller, the freshman quarterback hooked up with sophomore wideout Corey Brown for a 54-yard score to grab a 7-0 lead.

After going three and out on its first possession, Robinson tied the game on an option keeper, rushing down the left side for a 41-yard touchdown.

Shortly after, Michigan pinned OSU deep in its own territory and senior lineman Mike Adams committed a holding penalty in the end zone to give the Wolverines a safety. After the kickoff, Robinson connected with senior Junior Hemingway for a 26-yard touchdown and a 16-7 advantage.

The Buckeyes answered back. After settling for a 45-yard field goal, Miller led the next drive culminating in a 19-yard touchdown on a draw play to reclaim the lead 17-16.

Robinson put Michigan back on top 23-17 with a six-yard option keeper, but the Buckeyes drove down the field. With just over a minute remaining in the half, Miller completed a 43-yard touchdown pass to senior DeVier Posey as OSU took a 24-23 lead into halftime.

Michigan struck first in the second half after an 11-play, 80-yard drive culminated in a 20-yard touchdown pass from Robinson to senior Martavious Odoms putting UM ahead 30-24.

After the Buckeyes inched closer settling for a 21-yard field goal, Robinson drove Michigan down for another score, this one on play action to senior Kevin Koger.

Miller took Ohio State 80 yards in just over a minute as senior running back Daniel Herron scored from four yards out to close the lead to 37-34.

The Wolverines, however, drove down the field and added a late field goal while the defense held on for the 40-34 victory.

Check Facebook.com/ToledoFreePress later tonight for photos from the game.

This entry was posted on Saturday, November 26th, 2011 at 6:16 pm and is filed under College Football, College sports.
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