by Ohio State Reclaims Rivalry with Commanding Win over Michigan
Sat., Nov. 29, 2025
Ann Arbor, Michigan – For the past four years, Ohio State players, coaches, alumni, and fans have had to watch Michigan celebrate recent success. As a result of the last four matchups, the Buckeyes were left with frustration, criticism, and unanswered questions. All of that was dismissed after the most recent matchup between the Buckeyes and the Wolverines. Led by the dominant Buckeye defense and efficient Buckeye offense, Ohio State defeated Michigan 27-9, in one of the most complete performances of the season for the Buckeyes.
This was more than just a win for the Buckeyes. The Game is college football’s greatest rivalry, and because of that, neither team wants to lose this game. After four years of falling short against the Wolverines, the recent victory for the Buckeyes represents redemption.
Early in the game, the Buckeyes faced adversity. The very first snap of the game, Michigan’s Jordan Marshall picked up 36 yards on a run, which eventually led to a field goal, giving Michigan the 3-0 lead. Shortly after that, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin threw an interception on just their second offensive play. That led to another field goal, extending Michigan’s lead.
Michigan “smacked Ohio State in the mouth”, and that was all it took for the Buckeyes to get back on track. After trailing 6-0 early, the Buckeyes put their foot on the gas and never looked back. From that point on, the star of the show for the Buckeye offense was freshman running back Bo Jackson. Jackson dominated the Wolverine defense with 117 yards rushing and 49 yards receiving. The Buckeyes relied on Bo Jackson throughout the entirety of the game.
On the opposite end of the ball, the Buckeye defense proved to be the difference in the game. Ohio State did not allow Michigan to get any offensive rhythm by putting the Wolverines in difficult third-down situations and not allowing explosive plays. The Buckeye defense controlled the trenches, while the secondary held its own. The Michigan offense scored its last points in the second quarter, tacking on another field goal to make the score 10-9. After the Wolverines’ last field goal, the Buckeyes allowed them only 54 total yards; 163 total yards for the game.
The Buckeyes broke the game open in the third quarter after Sayin delivered a 50-yard deep ball to Carnell Tate, putting the Buckeyes up 24-9. The stadium was holding its breath as the ball was flying through the air, and once Tate caught the ball and took it to the endzone, Buckeye fans erupted all around Michigan Stadium. Not only was the football team dominant, but the away fans were as well. It almost sounded like the game was being played in Columbus with how loud and how many Buckeye fans there were.
In preparation for this matchup, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day emphasized the team’s focus on execution, not emotion. Day’s team followed his advice, playing disciplined football. Every phase of the game reflected immense focus on changing the narrative of the rivalry.
The Buckeyes returned to Columbus with a win against their rival and momentum heading forward. On this Saturday afternoon, the Buckeyes delivered when the stakes were highest, earning a win that the fans will remember for years to come.
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