Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from a storybook win over OSU

For the third time since 2021, Michigan football has conquered the Ohio State Buckeyes to win the Big Ten East crown.

Ohio State received the kickoff and both schools went three and out on their initial series. Will Johnson make the first big play of the day by cutting off the receiver and returning it inside the 10-yard line with a pick? On fourth and goal, Mr. Reliable Blake Corum broke the single-season touchdown record that stood since the last time Michigan football toppled Ohio State at the Big House.

In the second J.J. McCarthy whipped one to Roman Wilson that will be argued about for the next 365 days. Wilson crossed the goal line and as he was falling to the ground, the ball was taken away from him. The officials reviewed it and the touchdown counted. Michigan was ahead at the intermission 14-10. The Bucks missed a 52-yard field goal as time ran out.

Ohio State’s physicality was on display with their eight straight run play drive that ended with a TreVeyon Henderson touchdown. Michigan did not flinch one ounce. Zak Zinter got injured and was carted off a play before Corum busted through a hole for six. Michigan retook the momentum heading into the fourth quarter 24-17.

Michigan’s defense forced a punt and expanded their advantage to 10 with a James Turner field goal. Then Ohio State got within three. Kyle McCord hit a crossing Marvin Harrison Jr. for seven. The Wolverines got the ball back and kicked another three by Turner with one minute left and no timeouts for the Buckeyes.

On the ensuing series, McCord completed a pass to Julian Fleming across the middle of the field, he fumbled, and Egbuka recovered it. The play was reviewed and stood. One play later Rod Moore became a Michigan legend forever by intercepting McCord to allow the offense to line up in victory formation for the third consecutive time in as many tries of this rivalry.

Here are three of the takeaways.