#3 Michigan With A Commanding Victory Over #2 Ohio State 45-23
The #3 Michigan Wolverines went into Ohio Stadium and completely dominated the #2 Buckeyes in the 2nd half to remain perfect with a 12-0 record. It is the first time the Wolverines have won in Ohio Stadium since 2000. Worth a mention, the last time Michigan finished the season 12-0, in 1997, they went on to win the National Championship.
As for Coach Jim Harbaugh of the Wolverines, it is his 2nd consecutive win over Ohio State after losing his first five meetings.
Michigan is now in the driver's seat to be 1 of 4 teams in the College Football Playoffs. They will play in the Big Ten Championship against either Iowa, Illinois, or Purdue.
In all likelihood, the Wolverines should be highly favored to win the Big Ten.
2nd Half Domination By Michigan
The Buckeyes held a slim lead going into the half, 20-17. They outplayed Michigan, only allowing 10 yards rushing in the 1st half. However, in the 2nd half, the momentum shifted in favor of the Wolverines.
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Colston Loveland, which gave the Wolverines a 24-20 lead. It was the only score for either team in the third quarter.
In the 4th quarter, Michigan continued to control the game and the clock. McCarthy ends a 15-play, 79-yard drive on a designed run to stretch the lead to 31-20. Ohio State managed to cut the deficit to eight points with a field goal but was countered by running back Donovan Edwards, who had an outstanding performance. Edwards would run for a 75-yard touchdown, and shortly after, he would run for another 85-yard touchdown that would put the game out of reach, 45-23.
It seems like Deja Vu from last year's meeting, where the Wolverines dominated Ohio State in the 2nd half with their ground game to seal the win. In 2021 Michigan gained 188 yards on the ground in the 2nd half and defeated the Buckeyes 42-27. This year in the 2nd half, Michigan gained over 230 yards on the ground on their way to another commanding victory, 45-23.
Performances Of The Game
J.J. McCarthy finished with 263 passing yards and three touchdowns, on 12/24 attempts to go along with 27 yards rushing and one touchdown.
Donovan Edwards finished the night with 22 rushes for 216 yards and two touchdowns for the Wolverines. Edwards stepped in for the injured running back and Heisman Trophy Candidate Blake Corum. Corum saw limited time in the 1st quarter but didn't return because of his knee.
As for Ohio State, quarterback C.J. Stroud finished with 349 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka caught nine passes for 125 yards and one touchdown.