Michigan Beats Ohio State in Big Ten Matchup of Undefeated Teams

Second ranked Ohio State hosted #3 Michigan in Columbus in the annual regular season finale between these traditional Big Ten rivals on November 26th. Both teams went into action with 11-0 records, with the winner clinching the Big Ten East crown, and likely a spot in the College Football Playoff. Michigan led the series 59-51-6 going into this game, but Ohio State had been dominating it in recent years. OSU won eight in a row between 2012and 2019 before Michigan won 42-27 in 2021 (there was no game in 2020 due to Covid).

The Buckeyes led 20-17 at halftime, but the second half was all Michigan. The Wolverines outscored the Buckeyes 28-3 in the second half to win 45-23. Michigan running back Donavan Evans was the leading rusher with 216 yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns. Those touchdown runs were incredible; one was for 85 yards and another was for 75, both in the fourth quarter. It was a day of big plays for the Wolverines. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy threw touchdown passes of 69 and 75 yards to Cornelius Johnson and a 45 yarder to Colston Loveland. McCarthy completed 12 of 24 passes for 263 yards and those three touchdowns with no interceptions. The Wolverines’ QB also ran for a touchdown himself. OSU QB C.J. Stroud passed for 349 yards and touchdowns to Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. but he was also intercepted twice.

Michigan will face Purdue (8-4), winners of the Big Ten West, in the Big Ten Championship on December 3rd. The two did not meet in the regular season. Michigan will be a lock for a berth in the College Football Playoff with a win, and it’s even possible with an (unlikely) loss, depending on how other teams do in their conference championships. With just one loss, Ohio State could still be a long shot for a berth as well.