addition to Nicol, tight end Jake Ballard caught a pass for a score, as did both Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez. The defense, which again moved into first place in NCAA I-A scoring defense, was highlighted by Antonio Smith, who had 11 solo tackles (12 overall), 4 for losses including a sack, and a forced fumble. Malcolm Jenkins and Andre Amos each intercepted passes, and Jay Richardson recorded two of the Buckeyes' 4 sacks. Ohio State had a perfectly balanced offense for the game, accruing 270 yards both passing and rushing. Antonio Pittman's scoring streak ended at 12 games but he rushed for 105 yards to lead all rushers. The defense allowed only 158 yards passing and 7 rushing, and Ohio State won its 15th straight game and 10th at home. Troy Smith was named co-Big Ten Player of the Week on Offense (with Drew Stanton), and Antonio Smith on Defense (shared with Paul Posluszny). 2006 NCAA Division I-A football rankings Ohio State 44, Minnesota 0All-time record against Minnesota: 39–7–0The Buckeyes crushed the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Ohio Stadium, 44–0. Ohio State used both a dominating offense and a crushing defense to control the game, played under cool and very windy conditions. The shutout was Ohio State's first since September 27, 2003. The shutout was preserved with two defensive stops on 4th down and short yardage, the second on a 4th-and-inches at the Ohio State 15 late in the game. Ohio State's domination was such that it did not punt at all during the game. The Buckeyes dominated Minnesota in all statistics, outgaining them 484 to 182, out-rushing by 266 to 47, and out-passing them 218 yards to 135. Ohio State racked up 29 first downs to Minnesota's 10, and had a 5:22 edge in time of possession. Ohio State turned the ball over on fumbles three times, including two plays in a row in the 2nd quarter, but intercepted Minnesota 3 times (by Antonio Smith, Jamario O’Neal, and Malcolm Jenkins). The Buckeyes’ 18 total interceptions for the season leads all Division I-A teams. Antonio Pittman scored two of Ohio State's 5 rushing touchdowns, carried the ball for 116 yards, and had two pass receptions for 47 yards. Chris Wells carried the ball for another 90 yards and scored once. Troy Smith threw for 183 yards and a touchdown on 14–21 passing, and scored a rushing touchdown on a long scramble.