Much like the last time Ohio State won "The Game", there wasn't much drama in the fourth quarter in a 27-9 win for the Buckeyes.
This was a rap early as Ohio State finally ended the four-game losing streak to Michigan football. It was bound to happen, and the top-ranked Buckeyes cruised to a win after some early stumbles.
Michigan got 36 yards on the first play of the game. Jordan Marshall had 61 yards on four carries, but the running back didn't come back after the second drive, and the Wolverines' chances ended with his exit.
Michigan football settled for a field goal on the first drive. Then, after an interception, they settled again, despite having a first-and-goal. Another decent drive led to a field goal, but Michigan had just 16 yards passing at halftime in a 17-9 game.
Ohio State took control in the second half with another touchdown pass from Julian Sayin, his third of the game, after a shanked punt. Bryce Underwood completed a nice pass downfield to open the third quarter, on Michigan's first drive after a punt, but he wasn't ready for the moment.
Hopefully, that changes in 2026, because this was a frustrating season from start to finish. We'll see what happens next season, but Michigan could be looking at a two-game losing streak against the two-time defending national champions when they go to Columbus next
Michigan football has a wide gap to close
All things considered, 9-3 was fine for this season. Underwood had to endure some growing pains. It was clear he didn't trust what he was seeing on the field. He didn't see open receivers a few times and made poor throws on others.
It happens. It's hard to win this game as a freshman. Terrelle Pryor did, but that Michigan team he faced was terrible. The missed call on the Jeremiah Smith TD didn't help, but it wouldn't have mattered in the end.
Michigan couldn't move the ball and it couldn't stop Ohio State when it mattered, on the ground, or in the air. Some changes do need to happen, and this program needs to have a successful offseason in the transfer portal.
Watching Michigan throw two-yard passes in the second half down two or three scores was painful. There is a big difference between these teams again. We'll see if Michigan can close the gap in a year.