In what’s known as one of the most hateful Rivalries in the world of sports, The Michigan Wolverines have won “The Game” for the 4th time in a row against The Ohio State Buckeyes. It wasn’t a game full of too much action if you are an offense lover, but this game warmed the hearts of many defense fans. The final score was 13-10, one of the lowest scores in “The Game” since 1996 when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-9. The score pretty much tells the entire story of this matchup, with 4 total turnovers from both sides not including turnovers on downs and missed field goals, which there were a lot of.
The Buckeyes were originally favored to demolish the Wolverines, projected to win by around 20 which is one of the largest projection margins in the past 10 years. But in the B1G 10, you should never take the over because you will lose money. The Buckeyes and Wolverines knocked heads the entire afternoon, both defenses caught an interception twice, and both offenses couldn’t get anything done. Michigan had a few drives go to the goal line, but the only one to come away with a touchdown was a 1-yard rush by Kalel Mullings set up by an Interception caught by Aamir Hall inside the 10. On Other drives, they threw an interception, turned it over on downs, or kicked a game-winning field goal. Ohio State’s only touchdown of the day was before halftime when Will Howard connected with Jerimiah Smith for a swift 10-yard touchdown. Other than that, Ohio State’s kicker was the big story. Jayden Fielding went 1/3 on field goals, all of which were within 40 yards. With the final score of the game, many fans would rightfully blame the kicker. But the quarterback play is the biggest frown of the game.
One of Will Howard’s interceptions was thrown in the red zone, it was caught by Makari Paige. It ended a drive that many thought would surely result in a touchdown. There was even almost a 3rd interception but it slipped through the hands of Michigan’s Safety. However, that same drive resulted in a missed chip shot field goal anyway. Michigan’s quarterback wasn’t bright either. Like Howard, Davis Warren threw two interceptions, one on a drive everyone thought the Wolverines would put the game away on, and one on their own 20.
The run game was the brightest spot on offense overall. Kalel Mullings ran 116 yards on 32 carries and a touchdown. Though the yards per carry stat isn’t impressive, he still did his job and helped Michigan win the game. In the counting minutes, Kalel Mullings broke free for a huge first down on a play he should have been tackled. Instea,d he helped thWolverineses kill some clock and win the game.
But it wouldn’t be a rivalry without a little hands here and there. There were multiple fights throughout the game, but the main fight was at the end of the game. As Michigan players celebrated their upset win over their rival a big Blue and Maize Michigan flag was planted in the middle of the Ohio State O. At Least only for a few seconds. The flag was then ripped out and a huge fight involving many players and staff broke out the flag was eventually recovered by a Michigan media man but the fight already broke loose. Some Michigan players were even pepper sprayed wrongfully by the Ohio State Police, and to end it all both teams were fined around $100,000.
Michigan now advances to 62-51-6 on the all-time series, and they are on a 4-game streak since 2020. Head coach Sheronne Moore is now 2-0 vs Ohio State, and he will finish his team’s season 7-5. With many recruits coming this offseason, including their biggest pickup, 5-star QB Bryce Underwood, the game is expected to continue its heat through the next few years. Next year the game will be back in Michigan in The Big House.
