Ohio State Rout Minnesota 42-3; Fleck: 'We got beat'

Top-ranked Ohio State improved to 5-0 with a 42-3 victory over Minnesota. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns on 23-of-27 passing, and Carnell Tate had nine catches for 183 yards and a touchdown. Ohio State's defense held the Gophers to 162 total yards and three points, and running back Bo Jackson made his first career start, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown. Multiple players scored, including Jeremiah Smith (two TDs), CJ Donaldson and Lincoln Kienholz. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck conceded "we got beat," called the game a tough grading moment and said film showed positives as the Gophers prepare for Homecoming vs. Purdue; Purdue coach Barry Odom praised Fleck's sustained culture-building. National analysts and bettors adjusted playoff projections and futures after the weekend, with Ohio State emerging as the public favorite in national championship markets.