Jones struggles, but OSU stays perfect

November 8, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ezekiel Elliott weaved 15 yards for a touchdown on unbeaten Ohio State’s only lengthy drive, and the top-ranked Buckeyes weathered Minnesota’s two fourth-quarter touchdowns for a 28-14 victory Saturday night.

Elliott ran for 114 yards — his 14th straight 100-yard game — and Vonn Bell returned an interception 16 yards for his first career touchdown for a 21-0 lead that held up. The Buckeyes (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) struggled to move the ball most of the game with Cardale Jones back at quarterback.

Minnesota (4-5, 1-4) managed only 110 yards through three quarters before finally getting Mitch Leidner’s two TD passes, the last with 2:10 to go. The onside kick went out of bounds, and Jones ran 38 yards untouched off a fake handoff for a clinching touchdown.

Jones completed Ohio State’s surge to the national title last season after J.T. Barrett got hurt against Michigan, and he kept the job for the first seven games this season. With the offense inconsistent, coach Urban Meyer switched back to Barrett, who had five touchdowns in a 49-7 win at Rutgers.

Barrett was cited for impaired driving during the Buckeyes’ off week, drawing a one-game suspension. Jones was back at quarterback Saturday, but wasn’t effective throwing it. He went 12 of 22 for 187 yards with a touchdown, four sacks and a fumble at the Minnesota 21.