But the first half turned when Gophers coach P.J. Fleck elected to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Minnesota 29. After an Ohio State timeout, Ibrahim took advantage of a defensive breakdown to run 56 yards. That set up a 13-yard pass to Dylan Wright, who went over redshirt freshman cornerback Lejond Cavazos for the touchdown.
The Buckeyes were particularly young at that position. Cameron Brown was listed as unavailable, and senior Sevyn Banks didn't play.
It got worse against a Gophers team that has 20 returning starters. After completing some safe passes early, Stroud looked increasingly uncomfortable the rest of the first half. He was off-target on a pass over the middle to Olave, and the ball deflected off his hands for an interception.
Minnesota capitalized by going 37 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, aided by a pass interference on true freshman Denzel Burke on third down from the 5. Ibrahim scored on a 2-yard carry.
It was the first time Ohio State had trailed at halftime in a regular-season Big Ten game since 2018 against Maryland.
The teams traded touchdowns to start the third quarter. Williams ran three times for 27 yards before Stroud made a nice downfield throw to Olave, who did the rest for a 38-yard touchdown.
Ohio State then appeared to have gotten its biggest defensive play of the night when safety Josh Proctor intercepted a Morgan pass and returned it to the Minnesota 25. But linebacker Dallas Gant was called for roughing the passer, negating the turnover. Two plays later, Ibrahim broke a tackle by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg for a 19-yard touchdown to make it 21-17.
After the Wilson and Garrett touchdowns for Ohio State, Minnesota closed to within 31-24 on a field goal.
Henderson's score gave the Buckeyes a two-touchdown lead. Minnesota answered, but Ohio State countered.
Stroud rolled to his right and had an open receiver short. But he spotted Olave deeper and let loose. Olave caught it, tight-roped the sideline and scored to put the game out of reach.
Williams finished with nine carries for 125 yards. Ohio State outgained Minnesota 495-408.
The Buckeyes played without center Harry Miller, who was on the team's unavailable list. Luke Wypler replaced him.
brabinowitz@dispatch.com
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