The Ohio State Buckeyes ended a four-game losing streak against the Michigan Wolverines with a commanding 27-9 victory on Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor. This win not only showcased the Buckeyes’ resilience but also secured their spot in the Big Ten Championship game, marking their first triumph over Michigan since November 30, 2019.
Key to the Buckeyes’ victory was a pivotal interception by Davidson Igbinosun, which came with just over two minutes left in the game. This play effectively extinguished any hopes of a Michigan comeback, allowing Ohio State to maintain control in a fiercely contested rivalry known as “The Game.” They will now prepare to face the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on December 2, 2023.
Quarterback Julian Sayin played a crucial role in this decisive win, completing 19 of 26 passes for 233 yards and throwing three touchdown passes. His performance included a significant 50-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 24-9 late in the game. Earlier, he connected with wide receiver Brandon Innis to push Ohio State ahead 17-9 just before halftime, capitalizing on a penalty by Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham that altered the momentum.
Throughout the match, Ohio State outgained Michigan in total yards, achieving 233 passing yards compared to the Wolverines’ 58. Running back Bo Jackson contributed significantly with 117 yards on 22 carries, providing a solid ground game that complemented Sayin’s aerial attack.
Michigan entered the game needing a strong performance to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Unfortunately, their offense struggled to find the end zone, relying instead on the kicking of Dominic Zvada. Zvada successfully converted three field goals, including a 49-yarder that narrowed Ohio State’s lead to just one point at 10-9 late in the first half. Despite their efforts, the Wolverines could not capitalize on opportunities, ultimately ending their four-game winning streak.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the conference title game, they carry the weight of being defending national champions. Their journey through the season has included notable victories against teams like the Tennessee Volunteers and Texas Longhorns, solidifying Ryan Day’s reputation as one of the premier coaches in college football.
The upcoming matchup against the Hoosiers will be closely watched, especially since both teams have had a significant rivalry in recent seasons. Earlier this year, Ohio State handed Indiana its first loss, effectively eliminating them from Big Ten title contention. Now, with both teams looking to prove themselves, fans can anticipate a thrilling encounter.
As the Ohio State Buckeyes head into the Big Ten Championship, they do so with renewed confidence and a clear objective: to secure another conference title and potentially extend their playoff aspirations.
