(Minneapolis, MN) — C.J. Stroud passed for 294 yards and four touchdowns in his debut as the Ohio State starter and the fourth-ranked Buckeyes kept coach Ryan Day unbeaten in Big Ten play with a 45-31 victory over Minnesota on Thursday night. The Gophers lead 14-10 at the half but O.S.U. responded with 21 third quarter points en route to their rally. Tanner Morgan threw for 205 yards and a touchdown for the Gophers but the story of the game was what they did on the ground. Starting tailback Mo Ibrahim scored twice on 163 yards rushing but limped off the field late in the third and did not return. The Gophers next host Miami of Ohio on Sept 11 while the Buckeyes return to Columbus to face No. 11 Oregon.