Ohio State fans have seen this movie before. In 2021, Michigan ended their decade-long losing streak to the Buckeyes with a dramatic win. In 2022, the Wolverines doubled down, defeating Ohio State in Columbus for the first time since 2000. Then, in 2023, Michigan overcame Ohio State once again, despite the Buckeyes’ improved defense and star players, ultimately going on to win the national championship. While those losses stung, Michigan’s teams were undeniably strong. But this year, Ohio State had no excuses.
With Michigan’s key players sidelined by injury, and head coach Jim Harbaugh absent, the Buckeyes appeared to have the upper hand. With the shadow of the sign-stealing scandal behind them and most of Michigan’s national championship-winning squad gone, it seemed like Ohio State was primed for redemption. But, in what felt like a cruel twist of fate, Michigan pulled off a stunning upset at the worst possible time.
Photo Cred: CNN
The game started with Ohio State striking first, capitalizing on a Michigan punt and a field goal. Their vaunted “Silver Bullets” defense came up big with a crucial fourth-down stop inside their own five-yard line, mirroring previous standout performances against teams like Oregon and Penn State. But then disaster struck. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard threw an interception to Michigan’s Aamir Hall, which set up a touchdown for Michigan running back Kalel Mullings, giving the Wolverines a 7-3 lead.
The Buckeyes responded with a strong offensive drive, mixing the run and pass, but the drive ended in disappointment when kicker Jayden Fielding missed a 38-yard field goal. After both teams exchanged three-and-outs, Michigan capitalized on favorable field position, with kicker Dominic Zvada nailing a 54-yard field goal to extend the Wolverine lead. Ohio State quickly responded in kind, taking advantage of Michigan’s depleted secondary in a two-minute drill.
A pass interference penalty gave the Buckeyes a first-and-goal at the Michigan 10-yard line, and Howard connected with freshman star Jeremiah Smith for a touchdown that tied the game at 10 just before halftime. But in the second half, Ohio State inexplicably abandoned this offensive strategy, which had been working well. After a solid defensive stop and a quick three-and-out from Michigan, the Buckeyes regained possession inside Michigan territory. However, Will Howard threw another interception, allowing Michigan to take back control.
Photo Cred: MLive
As the game wore on, Michigan managed to string together a methodical offensive drive, mixing up their powerful run game with a few timely passes from Warren. Despite an interception by Ohio State linebacker Jack Sawyer in the end zone, Ohio State could not convert on offense, gaining just nine yards on two rushing attempts before turning the ball back over to Michigan. By now, Michigan was determined to finish the job. Mullings broke through a would-be tackle and helped guide the Wolverines down the field, running out the clock deep into the fourth quarter. With just a field goal needed to seal the game, Zvada drilled a chip-shot 20-yard attempt to give Michigan a 13-10 lead with just 45 seconds left.
Ohio State’s makeshift offensive line, filled with backups and shifting positions, couldn’t hold up, severely limiting the rushing game of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Where Ohio State clearly had the upper hand was at receiver, especially with Michigan missing their top cornerback, Will Johnson. Ohio State’s deep and talented receiving corps, including Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate, should have been unleashed to exploit Michigan’s weakened secondary. Instead, Ryan Day appeared determined to prove Ohio State was tougher than Michigan by running the ball into a brick wall of defenders, never fully utilizing his team’s clear strength.
The costly turnovers by Will Howard and the missed field goals by Jayden Fielding made things worse, but it was the overall play-calling by Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly that truly sabotaged Ohio State’s chances. Despite a few timely stops from the defense, including key interceptions by Caleb Downs and Jack Sawyer, Ohio State continually handed the ball back to Michigan, often with favorable field position. Michigan, meanwhile, took advantage of these opportunities, executing a balanced offense—dominated by their run game but supplemented with crucial throws by Warren—to drive down the field and run out the clock.
Photo Cred: SI
While Ohio State will likely still make the 12-team College Football Playoff with their 10-2 record and have an opportunity for redemption with a deep playoff run, the implications of losing “The Game” to this Michigan team will sting for years to come. The Buckeyes, with their superior talent, simply should have won, but their failure to adjust and capitalize on key moments will remain a bitter memory. Losing three consecutive times to strong Michigan teams was difficult enough, but losing to a version of the Wolverines this depleted—marked by so many missing stars—was an embarrassing blow.
