Halftime observations

This was supposed to be the year Michigan finally had its way with Ohio State, but the Buckeyes have a 24-23 halftime lead.

Some observations:

1. Ohio State's lead should be even bigger. Freshman QB Braxton Miller has missed on two sure touchdown passes.

2. Aside from two big runs -- one by Michigan QB Denard Robinson for a 41-yard-touchdown and one by running back Fitgerald Toussaint for 46 yards to set up a short Robinson TD -- the Buckeyes' defense has been OK. Those two plays have accounted for 87 of the Wolverines' 145 rushing yards.

3. The difference right now is the forced fumble and recovery by CB Travis Howard. Three plays after Ohio State took over at the Michigan 31, Miller ran 20 yards for a TD.

4. Miller is exciting to watch. Terrelle Pryor was fast and could get to the edge. Miller is a beast in the open field. He has a unique ability to make people miss and turn routine plays into big gains.

5. Michigan can't cover DeVier Posey one-on-one. If the Wolverines double him in the second half, someone else should be able to make plays.

6. Ohio State's offense has been better and more efficient. The Buckeyes have converted 4 of 7 third-down situations. The Wolverines are just 2 of 6.

7. Robinson left the game on the second-to-last play of the half after a short gain. He was tackled near the Michigan sideline and apparently got some of the rubber particles from the field in his right eye.

8. Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier was injured in the first half. The Buckeyes are thin there without Andrew Sweat (dislocated elbow).