In a heart-stopping finish that will be etched in College football lore, No. 5 Michigan pulled off one of the season’s biggest upsets by defeating No. 2 Ohio State 24-21 on a 42-yard field goal as time expired. The Wolverines’ victory in this storied rivalry game not only silenced the Buckeyes’ raucous home crowd at Ohio Stadium but also ignited fierce debates about the College football Playoff landscape.
The game, which drew an estimated 12.5 million viewers on ESPN—making it the most-watched regular-season College football matchup since 2019—unfolded like a classic thriller. Michigan, trailing 21-17 with just over two minutes left, mounted a 75-yard drive capped by quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s poise under pressure and kicker Jake Moody’s clutch boot. This win improves Michigan’s record to 11-1 and hands Ohio State their first loss, dropping them to 10-2 and complicating their path to the Big Ten title game.
The Rivalry Rekindled: A Century of Bad Blood Boils Over
The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, often dubbed “The Game,” dates back to 1897 and has produced some of college football‘s most iconic moments. This year’s clash carried extra weight amid ongoing tensions, including a recent sign-stealing scandal that has plagued Michigan’s program. Ohio State entered as heavy 7.5-point favorites, riding a seven-game winning streak and boasting a high-powered offense led by Heisman contender C.J. Stroud.
From the opening kickoff, the atmosphere in Columbus was electric, with over 105,000 fans creating a sea of scarlet and gray. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, no stranger to controversy, fired up his team with a pre-game speech emphasizing resilience. “This isn’t just a game; it’s our identity,” Harbaugh later told reporters. The Buckeyes struck first with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Marvin Harrison Jr., but Michigan responded with a gritty 10-play, 85-yard drive ending in a Blake Corum touchdown run, tying the score at 7-7 by halftime.
Historical context adds depth to this upset. Michigan’s last win in Columbus came in 2000, a 38-26 thriller that propelled the Wolverines to a national title. Ohio State has dominated the series 15-5 over the past 20 years, but this victory flips the script, giving Michigan a psychological edge heading into the postseason. Analysts point to the rivalry’s intensity as a factor in the Buckeyes’ uncharacteristic mistakes, including two dropped interceptions that could have sealed the game earlier.
Key Moments That Swung the Momentum: From Turnovers to Heroic Stands
The second half was a rollercoaster of emotions, defined by pivotal plays that showcased both teams’ resilience. Ohio State surged ahead in the third quarter with a 65-yard punt return touchdown by Emeka Egbuka, extending their lead to 14-10. Michigan’s defense, ranked No. 1 nationally in total yards allowed (248.3 per game), clamped down, forcing a three-and-out on the Buckeyes’ next possession.
A turning point came midway through the fourth quarter when Michigan’s defense stripped-sacked Stroud, recovering the fumble at the Ohio State 35-yard line. This set up a quick scoring drive, with McCarthy connecting with Roman Wilson for a 22-yard touchdown pass, putting the Wolverines up 17-14. But the Buckeyes answered swiftly, marching 80 yards in eight plays for a go-ahead score, a 12-yard rush by quarterback Kyle McCord that made it 21-17 with 4:12 remaining.
Undeterred, Michigan’s offense orchestrated what might be the drive of the year. Starting from their own 25, McCarthy completed 6 of 7 passes for 62 yards, including a crucial third-and-8 conversion to tight end Luke Schoonmaker. With seconds ticking down, Moody trotted onto the field amid deafening boos. His 42-yard attempt—his third game-winner this season—split the uprights as the clock hit zero. “I visualized it all week,” Moody said post-game. “For the team, for the fans—this one’s for Michigan.”
Statistically, the game was a defensive masterpiece. Michigan limited Ohio State to 312 total yards, well below their season average of 428. The Wolverines converted 8 of 15 third downs (53%), while the Buckeyes managed just 4 of 12 (33%). Turnovers proved decisive: Michigan forced two, while committing none, flipping a season-long narrative of ball-security issues.
Standout Performances: McCarthy’s Magic and Harbaugh’s Defiance
J.J. McCarthy emerged as the hero of this Michigan upset, finishing 18-for-25 for 256 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. His command of the no-huddle offense kept Ohio State’s defense off-balance, earning praise from Harbaugh: “J.J. is a gamer. He doesn’t flinch.” On the ground, Blake Corum rushed for 108 yards and a score, becoming the first Michigan back to top 100 yards against Ohio State since 2018.
For Ohio State, C.J. Stroud threw for 298 yards and a touchdown but was sacked four times, a testament to Michigan’s ferocious pass rush led by Junior Colson, who recorded 1.5 sacks and seven tackles. Ryan Day, Ohio State’s coach, lamented post-game: “We had our chances, but execution faltered at the worst times. Credit to Michigan—they earned it.” Harrison Jr. hauled in eight catches for 112 yards, but the Buckeyes’ running game sputtered with only 89 yards on 28 carries.
Defensively, Michigan’s secondary shone, with Will Johnson intercepting a pass in the red zone to prevent an early Ohio State score. The Wolverines’ special teams also contributed, blocking a 45-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter. These performances highlight why Michigan boasts the nation’s top defense, allowing just 9.8 points per game. In contrast, Ohio State’s offense, which averaged 42 points entering the game, managed only three field goals outside their two touchdowns, underscoring the rivalry‘s toll.
Fan reactions poured in on social media, with #TheGame trending worldwide. Michigan supporters celebrated with memes of the Horseshoe Stadium emptying early, while Buckeye faithful decried officiating—though replays confirmed no major errors. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, an Ohio State alum, called it “a gut punch, but a masterpiece of college football.”
Playoff Shakeup: How This Upset Reshapes the National Picture
This Michigan victory sends shockwaves through the college football playoff committee’s deliberations. With the top four seeds yet to be announced, the Wolverines now control their destiny in the Big Ten, facing Purdue in the conference championship game on December 3. A win there would secure an automatic berth and likely a top-four seed, positioning them for a home playoff game at the Big House.
Ohio State‘s loss drops them to No. 5 in early projections, forcing them into a must-win against Michigan State this weekend to stay alive for an at-large bid. The Buckeyes’ resume includes wins over Notre Dame and Penn State, but this defeat to a lower-ranked Michigan team could prove costly. Committee chair Boo Corrigan noted in a presser: “Head-to-head results in marquee games like this carry significant weight.”
Beyond the playoff, the upset boosts Michigan’s profile amid NCAA investigations into their program. Harbaugh, suspended earlier this season, returns for the postseason, and this win validates his aggressive style. For Ohio State, questions swirl about Day’s future; despite a 55-12 record in five years, back-to-back losses to Michigan have intensified scrutiny.
Looking ahead, the broader college football landscape benefits from such drama. The 12-team playoff format, debuting next year, promises more opportunities for upsets like this, but for now, Michigan’s triumph reaffirms the rivalry‘s status as the sport’s pinnacle. As the Wolverines prepare for their Big Ten showdown, all eyes turn to how this momentum translates into January glory. Expect recruiting boosts, NIL deals, and endless replays of that final kick to dominate headlines for weeks.
In the aftermath, both fanbases reflect on the game’s legacy. Michigan’s 1,000th program win in this fixture underscores their storied history, while Ohio State’s quest for redemption adds fuel to next year’s fire. As one Maize and Blue supporter tweeted: “Once a wolverine, always a champion.” The rivalry endures, fiercer than ever.
