The Michigan Wolverines pulled off a stunning upset to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio on November 26, 2022. This is the second straight year that Michigan has beat their rivals, but the first time they have won twice in a row since Tom Brady played for Michigan, over 20 years ago.

First Quarter

Ohio State (OSU) were massive favorites coming into the game, with a projected outlook of beating Michigan by a touchdown. But as soon as the game started, Michigan was frequently defying the expectations of many doubters and Michigan fans alike. Ohio State got the ball to start the game, and quickly scored a touchdown, marching down the field unopposed. By the end of the first quarter, Michigan and OSU had scored one more field goal each.

Second Quarter

Michigan’s drive had carried on into the second quarter, and on a 3rd & 6, Michigan QB JJ McCarthy threw a short pass to WR Cornelius Johnson, who juked one tackler so bad, he fell, and dodged a second defender to run down the open field for a 69-yard touchdown, to level the score at 10. Ohio State responded with an easy field goal, but on the first play after Michigan getting the ball back, JJ McCarthy heaved an absolute missile to a wide-open Cornelius Johnson again, this time for a 75-yard touchdown, putting Michigan in the lead for the first time in the game, 17-13. Ohio State became upset, and QB CJ Stroud threw a 42-yard dime to Marvin Harrison Jr. It was a hard catch to make, but his dad was an NFL WR, so this was a piece of cake for him. Ohio State entered halftime up 20-17, much closer than expected.

Third Quarter

Michigan had possession to begin the second half, and they had the only score in the quarter. JJ McCarthy threw an incredibly difficult pass, and budding star TE Colston Loveland caught it, broke a tackle and dove for the 45-yard touchdown pass, McCarthy’s third of the night. With Michigan leading by 4, the OSU offense couldn’t get into gear, and alternated punts with Michigan for the rest of the quarter.

Fourth Quarter

Michigan’s drive had continued from the third quarter. They drove down to the 3-yard line, where JJ McCarthy’s incredible night continued, as on a QB run, he made it to the end zone before the person who was supposed to be blocking, contributing to a 31-20 Michigan lead. Ohio State was about to head into desperation mode, when they had relief, as Michigan kicker Jake Moody missed a field goal. All OSU could do with this opportunity was kick a field goal, to make it a one-score game. Their hopes were dashed however, when on the first play of the drive, Michigan RB Donovan Edwards found a hole in the offensive line and outran two defenders for Michgan’s second 75-yard touchdown of the day. With a 15-point deficit, Ohio State was starting to panic. Ohio State went down the whole field, only for CJ Stroud to throw a terrible interception, giving Michigan the ball at their own eight-yard line. Even with difficult field position, on their third play, Donovan Edwards again broke free, and ran 85 yards to the house. Ohio State was in a really bad place. With 3:19 left in the game, they were down by 22 points. Again CJ Stroud panicked and threw another interception. Michigan’s star player Blake Corum, who was injured very early in the game, came back on the field for the last three plays. As the game ended, Michigan players and fans streamed onto Ohio Stadium, after winning there for the first time in 22 years. With this win, Michigan remains one of the last undefeated teams, alongside the Georgia Bulldogs and the TCU Horned Frogs. Michigan will play Purdue in the Big 10 championship, while Ohio State has to pray desperately for a spot in the College Football Playoffs.