With two of the top three college football teams in the country playing at The Big House Saturday, the game of the year was expected.
No. 3 Michigan and No. 2 Ohio State delivered on that expectation in a battle for the Big Ten East Division between two of the top three defenses in the country.
In the 119th edition of The Game, Michigan defeated Ohio State 30–24, marking the Wolverines’ third straight victory in the rivalry. After a back-and-forth second half, the Wolverines finally got the stop they needed when they intercepted Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord in their own territory with 25 seconds remaining. Michigan then went on a physical drive in the fourth quarter while leading three, killing the clock and taking a six-point lead. After an Ohio State touchdown cut the lead to three, Michigan got the ball with 8:05 remaining in the fourth quarter. After a 13-play, seven-minute drive by Michigan that culminated in a field goal, the Buckeyes had just 1:05 remaining to get into the end zone.
sprinting Blake Corum gained 88 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries during the day.
“It means everything to me,” Corum declared following the victory. “My friends, we all returned to support one another. Today, we completed it. This is the reason we returned. games similar to these. When all the odds are against you and you feel like you can’t succeed, that’s The Big House. People are calling you derogatory names. Nevertheless, we persevere, stick together as a team, and win.”
In the second quarter, quarterback J.J. McCarthy connected with Roman Wilson for a 22-yard touchdown pass to put Michigan ahead by two scores.
However, Ohio State answered, putting together a seven-play, 73-yard drive that was sealed off by a McCord to Emeka Egbuka 3-yard touchdown pass.
With five catches for 118 yards and a touchdown, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. of the Buckeyes concluded the day’s playmaking with McCord throwing for 271 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Joe Morgan works for Fox News as a sports reporter.
