by Photo via Jason Mowry/GettyImages
In a shocking turn of events, unranked Michigan came into Columbus and beat the No. 2 Ohio State football team on its home field, 13-10. The result marks the fourth straight year that the Wolverines have defeated the Buckeyes, and this year’s iteration might be the most painful one yet.
For Ohio State, just about every aspect of this game was terrible, except perhaps for the performance of the defense as a whole. Giving up just 13 points to a Power-4 opponent is impressive and they forced two turnovers on interceptions from Caleb Downs and Jack Sawyer. However, late in the game when they were needed most, the defense failed the Buckeyes. On its second to last drive, Michigan drove deep into Ohio State territory and Sawyer’s outstanding pick saved the Scarlet and Grey. Then, on the Wolverines final drive, there were no heroics, and running back Kalel Mullings ran the ball down the Buckeyes’ throat, leading to the game-winning field goal.
The offense, though, is where more of the blame should fall. Quarterback Will Howard had by far his worst game of the year, throwing for 175 yards, a touchdown, and two poor interceptions. Howard’s top target was Carnell Tate who had six catches for 58 yards, but had a crucial drop late in the game. Jeremiah Smith had a touchdown catch in the first half, but was a no show in the second.
The running game was completely ineffective, as Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, the supposedly fearsome pairing, had just 67 yards on 22 carries. Some of that can be chalked up to the play of the offensive line, as the injuries finally caught up with them. After losing both Josh Simmons and Seth McLaughlin to season-ending injuries, the makeshift unit had been sufficing until Saturday when they were abysmal.
Ohio State’s last drive was a perfect encapsulation of their overall performance. They looked out of sorts and out of control, and it resulted in four easy stops for Michigan. Truly embarrassing, and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly lost a lot of leverage that he was looking for ahead of the upcoming offseason.
Then, to make matters worse, after the game there was a massive brawl at midfield after Michigan players planted their flag at the 50-yard line. Multiple players on both sides were pepper sprayed by the police and while the passion for the game and their teams is a good thing, this level of violence certainly is not.
Back to football, perhaps the only true positive on the day that Buckeye fans can take away is that while Michigan’s season is now over, Ohio State’s likely is not. While they might no longer be playing in the Big-10 Championship game, they are still in pretty good shape to receive an at-large bid to compete in the new 12-team format of the College Football Playoff. The only thing that’s certain is that the Buckeyes won’t get a first round bye, but there’s a chance they could host their opening game. Although, at this rate let’s just hope they get in at all.
The questions will start to get answered next Sunday, December 8th, during the Selection Show, when the playoff field is announced. If Ohio State is fortunate enough to make it in, it looks like Head Coach Ryan Day might have to win a National Championship to keep his job. It’s inexcusable to lose to Michigan four straight times, and the temperature in Columbus is as hot as it’s ever been. The season is not lost, but a loss to the Wolverines puts the ultimate asterisk next to whatever lies ahead.
