The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Michigan Wolverines 27-9 in the 121st meeting between the two historic rivals.
The Buckeyes entered the game ranked as the top team in college football, while the Wolverines came in ranked at No. 15.
Ohio State and Michigan players brawling after the Wolverines 13-10 upset win on November 30th 2024 (Credit: ESPN)
First-year starter for Ohio State Julian Sayin threw for over 230 yards and three touchdowns in the win after an interception on the Buckeyes’ opening drive, while Wolverines freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood completed eight passes on 18 attempts for 63 yards.
With the win, Ohio State now advances to play the No. 2 ranked Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship. The Hoosiers and Buckeyes are the last two undefeated teams in the NCAA, and the winner will take the top seed in the upcoming College Football Playoff.
ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach both project that the Wolverines will play their bowl game on New Year’s Eve this season in the Citrus Bowl against the Texas Longhorns.
Tensions were high entering the matchup after controversy surrounding ‘The Game’ in 2024, when Michigan players attempted to plant their flag in the Ohio State logo at midfield in Columbus after a shocking upset win. A brawl ensued and resulted in multiple players being pepper-sprayed.
After the loss, Michigan players were seen surrounding the ‘M’ logo at midfield and Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day was seen telling his players not to attempt to plant their flag.
Michigan players guarding the ‘M’ logo at midfield after the loss (Credit: X@anthonytbroome)
This was the first time the Buckeyes came out victorious over Michigan since 2019, when now New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields was the starting quarterback for Ohio State.
Other notable NFL players who played in the 2019 matchup include Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins, Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and New Orleans Saints wideout Chris Olave for Ohio State, while the Wolverines had players such as Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins, and Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye.
After 121 matchups, the Wolverines still hold the winning record, 62 wins, 52 losses and 6 ties against the Buckeyes. The 2010 matchup won by Ohio State was vacated due to NCAA violations by the Buckeyes.
