Michigan Shocks Football World, Beats No. 2 Ohio State 13-10

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The Michigan Wolverines (7-5, 5-4 Big Ten Conference) went into Ohio Stadium on Nov. 30 and shocked the college football world, upsetting No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 in Columbus, Ohio. Michigan controlled the pace of the game and shut out the Buckeyes (10-2, 7-2 B1G) in the second half. Star kicker Dominic Zvada nailed a 21-yard game-winning field goal with 45 seconds left to give the Wolverines their fourth straight victory over Ohio State and head coach Ryan Day.

Game Summary

The story of the game was the play of both defenses. The Buckeyes gave up a single touchdown to Michigan running back Kalel Mullings. An Aamir Hall interception set the Wolverines up at the 2-yard line. Michigan refused to let Ohio State run the ball in the red zone. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard and Michigan QB Davis Warren both turned the ball over twice. Howard and Warren each threw an interception inside of the red zone.

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The Buckeyes were not able to run the ball with any effectiveness all afternoon, totaling just 77 yards on 26 carries. Ohio State moved the ball well through the air at times with ease but refused to abandon the run game. Howard was accurate on most throws, but his two INTs were costly for the Buckeyes. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly played directly into Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale's game plan. Kelly chose to attack the future NFL draft picks on Michigan's defensive line, instead of the lackluster defensive backfield.

The Ohio State defense played tremendously and consistently kept the Wolverines out of the end zone, despite Michigan nearly always having stellar field position. Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles had his defense firing on all cylinders. Safety Caleb Downs made an incredible INT to set the Buckeyes up at the Michigan 12-yard line. The offense did not reward the turnover. Ohio State kicker Jayden Fielding missed a 34-yard attempt, his second field goal try of the game.

Ohio State's defense had its backs against the wall again later in the fourth quarter. On first-and-goal, Michigan schemed up to have a wide-open target in the end zone on a play-action pass. Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer dropped into coverage at the last second, picking off Warren. Once again, the Buckeyes' offense did not capitalize off the turnover. They went three-and-out yet again. Michigan drove down the field and got the game-winning field goal.

Michigan shortened the game and played at its own pace. It easily won the time-of-possession battle, having the offense with over 33 minutes of game time with the ball. The Wolverines' commitment to the run and constantly forcing the Buckeyes into three-and-out situations allowed Michigan to control everything.

Turning Point for Michigan

The Michigan defense made a tremendous stand after Sawyer's incredible INT. The Wolverines forced a three-and-out, then got the ball back on their 40-yard line. Then, on a third-and-6 from the Ohio State 40-yard line, the Wolverines made the game-defining play. Mullings was seemingly stopped in the backfield, but shed defenders and bounced outside for a 27-yard gain.

That momentum-swinging run set the Wolverines up well within Zvada's range. They kept on killing time off of the clock. All of that set up Zvada for the game-winning chip shot.

Postgame Aftermath

In a disappointing sequence of events after the game ended, a brawl broke out at midfield between the two teams. Michigan waved its flag at midfield as they celebrated the win. It planted the flag into the Ohio Stadium turf. Ohio State players retaliated, resulting in dozens of players going after each other. Sawyer even snatched the flag toward the end of the brawl as officials tried to clear both teams from the field. Mullings was interviewed immediately afterward and simply said, "Some people, they got to learn how to lose, man."

What's Next for Michigan?

The Wolverines played spoiler. They will play in a bowl game, but won't be in the College Football Playoff despite their monumentally impressive win. But the effects of this victory will give Michigan momentum into next season. Michigan has a great recruiting class coming in for 2025, including No. 1 QB Bryce Underwood. Their offense should take a massive step forward. Adding a fourth straight win in the rivalry gives Michigan a major momentum boost in recruiting and into the 2025 season. Head coach Sherrone Moore will absolutely have support going forward with his second victory over Ohio State at the helm of the Wolverines.

What's Next for Ohio State?

Ohio State's situation is much, much more complicated. Day has now lost four straight to the Buckeyes. In the last 20 years, Ohio State head coaches dominated the series. Day's job is in jeopardy. There is a slight chance he could salvage it by winning a national championship. With the Buckeyes' play and how they responded at the end, this does not look like a team ready for a smooth postseason run. Despite the abysmal performance, Ohio State will still most likely be in the CFP when the final rankings are revealed. Day and his staff will have one final opportunity to regroup and prepare to finish strong.