QB who began season on bench leads OSU

Troy Smith, who began the year on the bench, ran for 145 yards and a TD.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- An Ohio State offense that did little right all season could do no wrong against Michigan.
The Buckeyes didn't commit a turnover, prevented the Wolverines from getting a sack and converted big play after big play in a 37-21 win on Saturday.
Ohio State erased all the frustrations over a four-loss season while denying their rival an outright Big Ten championship.
"Before the game I had tears in my eyes. I really didn't realize what this rivalry was about and is about until you get a 'W,' until you're in the fight," said quarterback Troy Smith, who led a resurgent offense that had little success running or throwing before No. 7 Michigan arrived at Ohio Stadium.
Smith, who took over as the starting quarterback after Justin Zwick suffered a shoulder injury in the season's sixth game against Iowa, tortured the Wolverines (9-2, 7-1) with his legs and right arm.
His stats
Running from the shotgun or scrambling to avoid blitzers, Smith rushed 18 times for 145 yards and a touchdown. He also completed 13 of 23 passes for 241 yards and two scores, often eluding a Michigan defender just before the throw.
The Buckeyes could have scored more, but Michigan's defense made two goal-line stands in the second quarter, holding Ohio State to three points.
"We knew coming in he was an exceptional athlete and that he was capable of making big plays," Michigan cornerback Marlin Jackson said of Smith. "Today he made too many big plays that kept their confidence high and offense moving."
Smith led the Buckeyes (7-4 4-4) on their two longest scoring drives of the season -- 99 and 97 yards -- capping them with a 2-yard run and a 12-yard pass to Santonio Holmes.
"Smith had a great day," Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said. "Ohio State ran the ball very effectively and more than anything else that was Troy Smith. He created some big plays and he kept some drives alive."
Playmakers
Ted Ginn Jr., Smith's former high school teammate at Cleveland Glenville, caught five passes for 87 yards and returned a punt 82 yards for a TD. Senior fullback Branden Joe, getting a rare chance as the featured runner, added 52 yards on 14 carries.
The Buckeyes had the ball for about nine more minutes than the Wolverines, helping to keep Michigan's high-powered offense on the sideline.
They also outscored Michigan 14-0 in the third quarter, building on a six-point halftime lead as Smith continually frustrated the Wolverines with scrambles.
"In order to have a day like today you have to have all the days prior to this," said wideout Anthony Gonzalez, who caught a 68-yard touchdown pass from Smith on the opening possession.
Smith said he was inspired by a pregame speech delivered by senior linebacker Thomas Matthews, who discussed the importance of winning another pair of "gold pants," the trinkets Ohio State players are awarded when they defeat Michigan.
"That really dawned on me that we need to do something today to win this game," Smith said.
It also was obvious to him afterward what the Buckeyes had accomplished. He had to traverse a sea of scarlet and gray to reach the locker room.
"Coming off the field after the game I almost got my neck broken by the fans," Smith said. "This means a lot to everybody."