KEY STAT: 3

First downs by the Aztecs

TURNING POINT

A first-quarter sequence in which Ohio State gained 50 yards during a punt return (35 by return, 15 by penalty) to gain a short field and set up its first touchdown.

NEXT GAME

Aztecs vs. San Jose State, 5 p.m. Saturday

QUOTABLE

"I was going through a checklist. Don't fumble was one of them and make sure you get into the end zone before you start celebrating."

—— Aztecs WR Brett Swain, on what he was thinking during his 80-yard touchdown reception.

SIDELINES

WHO'S HOT

FREDDY KEIAHO

Aztecs' middle linebacker had a career-best 18 tackles.

WHO'S NOT

JIM TRESSEL

Leading by three touchdowns, the Buckeyes' coach should be ashamed his team threw 10 times from the shotgun during an 11-play drive that ran out the clock.

INJURY REPORT

> LB Joe Martin

concussion

HAMILTON BOTTLED UP

Sophomore RB Lynell Hamilton rushed for a career-low 10 yards. His previous low was 49 against Utah in 2003. Hamilton carried the ball only seven times, another low.

"You could see eight people in the box," said Hamilton, referring to Ohio State's focus on stopping the running attack. "Each week will be different. I wouldn't say I was surprised with (the number of carries). I really did want the ball, but they were coming up for the run."

ANOTHER MISPLAY

The Aztecs didn't botch any handoffs —— they messed up two eight days ago against Air Force —— but suffered an even more damaging misplay against the Buckeyes.

On the final play of the third quarter at the Aztecs' 7-yard line, QB Kevin O'Connell was called on to run the option and Ohio State LB Anthony Schlegel wasn't fooled. O'Connell tried to pitch the ball to Hamilton, but he initially didn't see Hamilton and double-clutched the ball. It landed on the turf with Schlegel recovering at the 1. Brandon Schnittker dove in for the score on the first play of the final quarter to make it 24-6.

"That's something we'll get worked out," O'Connell said. "That's definitely unacceptable at the 1-yard line."

THE EXPECTED

The loss to the No. 9 Buckeyes continues a dubious trend for the Aztecs. The program is 0-15 against teams ranked in the top 10. The Aztecs have lost 18 straight to teams ranked in the Top 25 since they beat No. 16 Wyoming 28-24 in 1996.

AN INTERCEPTION

Junior CB Donny Baker intercepted a pass with 7:29 left in the third quarter. It was the Aztecs' first interception of the season. The Aztecs intercepted 14 passes last season.

BUSY DAY

Sophomore P Michael Hughes was called on 11 times and averaged 43.9 yards per punt. Hughes tied his career long with a 58-yard effort in the second quarter.