THREE TAKEAWAYS
The rivalry has finally flipped, and the physicality battle is why.
Ryan Day got it done! He has vanquished the demon and thrown the monkey off his back. FINALLY! Ryan Day haters be gone!
The biggest reason the streak ended on Saturday was physicality. The Buckeyes dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, a massive shift from the previous four iterations of this rivalry.
Julian Sayin was not touched once. He had all day to throw the football, which to many was shocking. Especially considering the right guard position has been a revolving door for the Buckeyes, it was expected that Michigan would provide some pressure and a new challenge to Sayin. Nope! The offensive line played fantastically!
The defensive line was not the highlight of the defense, giving up some big chunk runs early, but that second half was flawless! Only one sack and three tackles for loss will seem lackluster; however, they held Michigan to -8 rushing yards in the second half. Negative eight!!
This score is not indicative of how dominant Ohio State was. Yes, there were hiccups early, and it makes this team look human. The thoughts of “Oh no, here we go again” ran through every Buckeye fan’s mind. After the first five minutes, it was physical domination, and it will serve this team well, especially if that offensive line group sticks together.
The offense gave us a taste of what they’ve been hiding.
This series has long said Ohio State barely hit fourth gear. They had much more to show once the late part of the season arrived. Well, we got a taste of what they were “hiding.”
Right out of the gate, Day and Hartline threw a go-ball to Carnell Tate, and immediately followed by trying to feed the ball to Jeremiah Smith early. Some terrific Wolverine defense put that to bed quickly, but then they settled in. They were not afraid to attack and be aggressive with the pass, even throwing a ball to Smith on a 4th & 5 for the touchdown, albeit controversial.
The aggressiveness through the air was nice to see, and you will see more of it moving forward, guaranteed. However, the biggest takeaway and hidden secret the Buckeyes revealed was Bo Jackson.
What? Okay, explanation time. Jackson was the team’s leading rusher entering the game, had moved his way up the depth chart to RB1, and has been Mr. Reliable when it comes to generating explosive runs this ground game needed. Yet, he got 20 carries in this game. Why is that significant? It is the only time so far this season that a running back has been given 20 or more carries.
In total, he was given 26 touches and flashed the ability as that explosive runner and playmaker the Buckeyes have seemingly been missing out of the backfield. Newsflash! Ohio State always had an explosive back. Only now is he starting to be unleashed. Much like the pass game, expect a healthier dose of Bo in this postseason run
Don’t pretend this Big Ten Championship doesn’t matter.
All the critics will try to tell you this matchup in Lucas Oil Stadium against Indiana does not mean anything. Both teams are making the College Football playoff, and frankly, both teams will earn a first-round bye under the new ranking system. Some may even tell you this game means more to Indiana than Ohio State, which may very well be true. But make no mistake…
Ryan Day has said all season this is a team that is out to prove this year’s group is different and wants them to accomplish things that last year’s team did not. One box is already checked: beat Michigan. Now time for box two. Day will always tell his team to play their tails off when there is a trophy at stake. Don’t expect the Buckeyes to hold back against the Hoosiers.
GAME RECAP
1st Quarter
14:54 – Michigan Explosive Play
Jordan Marshall rips a 36-yard run on the first snap, putting OSU on its heels immediately.
12:37 – Michigan Field Goal
After Michigan reaches the red zone, the Buckeye defense stiffens and forces a 45-yard FG.
Momentum note: Early stop prevents a nightmare opening TD.
(Michigan 3–0)
12:20 – Julian Sayin Interception
Sayin doesn’t see a dropping defender and throws OSU’s first mistake of the day. Michigan takes over deep in the red zone.
9:42 – Michigan Field Goal
OSU’s defense again holds after the turnover, forcing a short FG instead of giving up seven.
(Michigan 6–0)
4:33 – Ohio State Field Goal
OSU answers with a methodical drive but stalls after a false start and soft O-line push.
11 plays, 69 yards, 5:09.
(Michigan 6–3)
2nd Quarter
11:44 – MOMENTUM SWING: Sayin to Jeremiah Smith Touchdown (35 yards)
On 4th-and-5, Ryan Day dials up a sideline shot. Smith bobbles but controls it in the end zone after review.
10 plays, 63 yards, 5:49.
(OSU 10–6)
5:22 – Michigan Field Goal
Forced into 3rd-and-long repeatedly, Michigan settles for a 49-yard FG.
(OSU 10–9)
0:16 – Sayin to Brandon Inniss Touchdown (4 yards)
A clean slant beats inside leverage.
11 plays, 87 yards, 5:08.
(OSU 17–9)
3rd Quarter
10:10 – Bad Michigan Punt
After the teams trade punts, a high, short Michigan punt travels only 12 yards. OSU starts near midfield — a hidden-yardage swing.
7:35 – BIG PLAY: Sayin to Carnell Tate Touchdown (50 yards)
Tate blows past the secondary and Sayin drops it in perfectly.
2 plays, 57 yards, 0:45.
(OSU 24–9)
5:04 – Another Defensive Stop
Michigan, now in must-throw mode, continues to sputter. OSU takes over at its own 14.
2:00 – OSU Running Game Takes Over
The Buckeyes begin leaning on the ground game, wearing down Michigan’s defensive front.
4th Quarter
13:30 – The “Backbreaker Drive” Continues
The Buckeyes grind the clock with inside runs, screens, and safe play-action.
8:10 – Ohio State Field Goal
After nearly 12 minutes of possession time spanning quarters, Fielding hits a 23-yard FG.
20 plays, 81 yards, 11:56.
(OSU 27–9)
6:36 – Michigan Offense Collapses
Another empty possession ends with a punt. The Wolverines still have zero second-half answers.
4:20 – TURNOVER: David Igbinosun Interception
On 4th down, Underwood fires deep and Igbinosun snatches it to seal the win.
The Buckeyes are back in Indianapolis to face off with the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship. Listen live on 98.3 WPKO HERE. Pregame begins at 6:30 p.m. with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m.
