In an instant classic, the Michigan Wolverines claimed victory once and for all over the Ohio State Buckeyes, sealing a spot in the Big Ten Championship game, as well as preserving their chances at a third straight CFB Playoff appearance.
Michigan Wins The Game Versus Ohio State, Sealing Big Ten Title Game Appearance
The entire season led to this game for both Ohio State and Michigan. Both teams at 11-0 heading into the contest. Both teams seeking a Big Ten title berth. Both teams with a chance at taking on the College Football Playoff.
Only one could leave with that chance.
Michigan and Ohio State remained close on the scoreboard throughout the entire game. A Will Johnson interception and a Blake Corum touchdown lifted the Wolverines to a 7-3 lead in the first quarter.
The teams scored a touchdown apiece in the second quarter. J.J. McCarthy found Roman Wilson on a tight-window rope, while McCord was able to hit Emeka Egbuka for a score.
In the third quarter, the Wolverines stretched their lead a bit. An injury to offensive leader and stalwart guard Zak Zinter lit a fire under the Wolverines, who found the end zone by virtue of Blake Corum on the very next drive.
But in what was an inevitable development, the Buckeyes would close the gap again, making it 24-27 with a touchdown pass from Kyle McCord to Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Wolverines engineered a long drive in the ensuing minutes and managed to cut the game clock down to under a minute before kicking a field goal to make the score 30-24.
With the help of Harrison Jr. — who had five catches for 118 yards and a score — the Buckeyes started to drive down the field, in hopes of scoring a game-winning touchdown. But on a fateful down, McCord encountered pressure from both Mason Graham and Jaylen Harrell.
McCord tried to force a throw to Harrison Jr., but the pass was short, and Michigan safety Rod Moore was able to undercut the pass for a game-sealing interception.
After the game, Michigan’s interim coach Sherrone Moore expressed gratitude for the fans, and gave a shoutout to head coach Jim Harbaugh, who’s currently serving a three-game suspension from sideline activity.
The win lifts Michigan to 12-0, and solidifies their place in the Big Ten title game opposite the 10-2 Iowa Hawkeyes. The Wolverines match up favorably in that game, and if they win, they’ll assuredly lock down one of four spots in the College Football Playoffs.
The Buckeyes, meanwhile, fall to 11-1, and Ryan Day lost his third straight contest against Michigan. Ohio State is now out of the Playoff running, barring a Big Ten title loss by Michigan, but will have a New Year’s Six bowl to look forward to.