COLUMBUS, Ohio — The disparity between the Gophers and Ohio State football programs wasn’t immediately evident at the start of Saturday’s game at Ohio Stadium.

Minnesota actually became the first team to score on Ohio State in a first quarter so far this season, staking a 3-0 lead after a long drive on the first possession of the game. And the U’s defense kept its fifth straight opponent from scoring on their opening drive.

That pair of events was the U’s peak against the top-ranked team in the country.

Buckeyes star wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate ran past Minnesota defensive backs, each netting a touchdown catch, as Ohio State scored TDs on the next three possessions.

On national TV in prime time, the defending national champions cruised to a 42-3 win over Minnesota.

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