The Buckeyes will open Big Ten play against Michigan State next week, and their offense must continue to evolve.

Columbus - Ohio State won Braxton Miller's debut as a starting quarterback, handling an overmatched Colorado team 37-17 at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.

The Buckeyes leaned on Miller's legs early, as he carried 14 times for 83 yards in the first half while completing 2 of 6 passes. But that was enough to give Ohio State (3-1) a 20-7 halftime lead, and the Buckeyes added to the lead while limiting Miller's carries in the second half.

It was obvious that Ohio State was trying out some things offensively after a quarrterback switch followed last week's 24-6 loss at Miami. The Buckeyes shuffled personnel and offensive formations, including using all of their healthy receivers throughout the win.

Ohio State also won the special teams battle, with a 90-yard Jordan Hall kickoff return setting up a third-quarter touchdown, and a fumbled punt by Colorado (1-3) leading to a field goal at the end of the first half.

The Buckeyes will open Big Ten play against Michigan State next week, and their offense must continue to evolve. A gameplan with so many runs by the quarterback, and so few completions, won't hold up during conference play.

But for this day, in Miller's first start, it was an effective way to ease in the freshman and use his skills. Miller showed his shiftiness as a runner and also made two very nice touchdown throws to fellow true freshman Devin Smith.