Buckeye Rosters

Recap

Ann Arbor, MI — The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes traveled to Ann Arbor to face the No. 5 Michigan Wolverines in a highly anticipated matchup with Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff implications. The Buckeyes entered the game with dominance in the rivalry, having won 15 of the last 16 meetings, but Michigan controlled the game from start to finish, securing a 42-27 victory in front of a raucous home crowd at Michigan Stadium.

Ohio State struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball. Offensively, quarterback C.J. Stroud had a solid statistical performance, throwing for 394 yards and 2 touchdowns, but the Buckeyes’ offense was frequently stalled by Michigan’s pass rush and struggles in short-yardage situations. Ohio State’s vaunted receiving corps—featuring Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba — put up big numbers, with Smith-Njigba leading the team with 11 receptions for 127 yards.

Defensively, Ohio State had difficulty containing Michigan’s dominant rushing attack, led by Hassan Haskins, who rushed for 169 yards and a record-breaking 5 touchdowns, the most by any player in The Game’s history. The Wolverines’ offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, allowing Michigan to rack up 297 rushing yards while keeping quarterback Cade McNamara clean for most of the game.

Key Moments & Turning Points:

1. Michigan’s Opening Drive Statement – The Wolverines set the tone early with a methodical first-drive touchdown, establishing their ability to move the ball on the ground.
2. Ohio State Struggles in the Trenches – The Buckeyes’ offensive line allowed 4 sacks, disrupting Stroud’s rhythm and making it difficult to establish balance with the run game.
3. Missed Opportunities – Ohio State was forced to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns on key red-zone drives, including a Smith-Njigba touchdown overturned due to an offensive penalty.
4. Haskins’ Historic Performance – Michigan sealed the game behind Haskins’ record-setting 5-touchdown effort, with three scores in the second half, keeping Ohio State from mounting a comeback.

Statistical Highlights (Ohio State):

• C.J. Stroud: 34/49, 394 yards, 2 TDs
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 11 rec, 127 yards
• Garrett Wilson: 10 rec, 119 yards, 1 TD
• Chris Olave: 7 rec, 88 yards
• TreVeyon Henderson: 17 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD

Historical & Rivalry Impact:

• Michigan’s victory snapped Ohio State’s eight-game winning streak in The Game.
• Haskins’ 5 rushing touchdowns set a record for the most ever in a single game in the rivalry.
• This loss eliminated Ohio State from Big Ten Championship contention, marking the first time since 2016 that the Buckeyes did not make the conference title game.
• The Wolverines went on to clinch the Big Ten Championship and earned their first College Football Playoff berth.

While Ohio State’s passing game showed flashes of explosiveness, Michigan’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and control the clock with the run game proved to be the difference. The Buckeyes’ defense struggled to get off the field, particularly in the second half, as the Wolverines effectively closed out the game. This loss served as a wake-up call for Ohio State, prompting defensive staff changes and a renewed focus on physicality heading into the following season.