Columbus, OH (Sports Network) - Chris Wells rushed for a career-high 221 yards and a touchdown as Ohio State began its reign as the top-ranked team in the country with a 24-17 win over Michigan State.

Todd Boeckman completed 15-of-23 passes for 193 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for the Buckeyes (8-0, 4-0 Big Ten), who stretched their regular season winning streak to 26 games and their home winning streak to 17.

Brian Hoyer was 12-of-23 passing for 126 yards with one interception and no touchdowns for the Spartans (5-3, 1-3), who trailed 24-0 early in the second half before their defense made it a game.

With just under four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Otis Wiley stepped in front of a Boeckman pass and ran it back 54 yards to get Michigan State on the board.

Then, on Ohio State's ensuing possession, Spartans defensive lineman Jonal Saint- Dic sacked Boeckman, forcing the Buckeyes quarterback to cough up the ball. Sir Darean Adams recovered the fumble and ran it back 25 yards to bring Michigan State within 24-14 late in the third quarter.

The Buckeyes dogged a bullet on their next play from scrimmage when they recovered a Wells' fumble.

Michigan State wideout Devin Thomas had receptions of 41 and 21 yards late in the fourth quarter to set up Brett Swenson's 43-yard field goal that made it a one- possession game with 3:42 remaining. However, Wells and the Ohio State offensive line were able to successfully run out the clock and extend their winning streak over Michigan State to six games.

"It was an interesting game we played today," said Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel said. "I thought we played a solid first half, and the defense played solid all game. We gave up 14 points which you can't do if you want to be Big Ten champions, though. Fortunately, we have the defense that we do."

"It was a good, tough win," added Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis, who finished with 12 tackles and a sack. "I think anytime you get a win in the Big Ten, it's going to be tough, it's going to be physical. I think the most important thing is that it's a good team win."

The Buckeyes had awful field position on their first two drives of the game but came away with points on both possessions.

A holding penalty on the opening kickoff buried Ohio State deep in its own territory before the Buckeyes responded with a seven play, 93-yard scoring march. Wells keyed the drive with a 48-yard run into Michigan State territory and Boeckman eventually found a wide open Jake Ballard for a 14-yard touchdown.

A nice punt by Spartans punter Aaron Bates gave the Buckeyes possession on their own one-yard line, but Boeckman's 41-yard completion to Brian Robiskie followed by Wells' 36-yard run set up Ryan Pretorius' 42-yard field goal.

Doug Worthington picked off Hoyer early in the second quarter, giving Ohio State the ball at the Michigan State 29-yard line. Then, on 4th-and-1 from the Spartans' five-yard line, Wells crossed the goal line on his fourth consecutive carry to give the Buckeyes a 17-0 lead.

Michigan State blocked Pretorius' 37-yard field goal attempt later in the second quarter, but the Spartans were unable to generate any momentum and went into the locker room trailing by 17.

Boeckman hooked up with Robiskie for a 50-yard TD in the third quarter to make it 24-0.