Recap

What was supposed to be a cathartic game for the Buckeyes turned into a moment of chaos after the clock hit 0:00 and the Buckeyes failed to defeat Michigan for the third straight year. Ohio State entered as 21 point favorites, but failed to score any points in the second half, and were out gained 124 yards to 10 as the Wolverines kicked a game clinching field goal with under 1 minute to go.

I think the moment that summed up the game was during the post game scrum, Michigan players attempted to plant the flag at midfield, several Ohio State players were still on the field after finishing Carmen Ohio, and went to stop them from planting the flag. A fight broke out and the police on the field used pepper spray to help break it up. Ryan Day was turned around, seeing Jack Swayer telling a coach that Michigan cant plant their flag, and you see Day mouth “What Happened.” I think that is the same thought o what Buckeye fans and even the media are trying to figure out. Was it the injuries of the offensive line finally catching up to them? Was it the two missed field goals? Was it the decisions by Chip Kelly to be so predictable with a “run, run, pass, punt” game plan in the second half that allowed Michigan to stay in the game? Ohio State has the talent, but for whatever reason, this game has become so pathetic to watch for Ohio State fans the last 4 years now, and it feels like Ryan Day has some sort of mental block when it comes to this game or big games. Yes, he gave up play calling, but he is the head coach. I think if the Buckeyes dont win a National Championship now, he is very likely gone, and I think he knows that. I feel bad for the seniors who came back for one more year. They had 4 goals, which was beat Michigan, win the Big Ten Championship, make the playoff, and win a National Championship. For 4 years, the first two goals have failed, and all they have left now is a chance to win a national title. In order to do that, they need to refocus fast, and fix their issues because the playoffs wont be easy. For the 4th straight year, their fate is out of their hands. This is the fourth time I have had to write a vent piece for this post game, and I hope next year I finally get to do a break down and analysis, but the confidence I now have is low for 2025. I hope I am wrong, but this was a layup game for Ohio State, and they failed it. Something needs to change, something needs to turn the tide. I think Ryan Day is a good coach, and a great leader of men. The players like him, he has continued recruiting successes, but when it comes to the games that matter, he has fallen short.

Turning Point

Ohio State could only manage 1 yard on their last drive, and had 3 incompletions to squander away a chance to tie or get a game winning touchdown. The true turning point came with the play calling in the second half where they were shutout, and despite getting two key interceptions, they were not able to convert any points out of it. It was a frustrating performance for Buckeye fans to watch.

Stars of the Game

As always, we rank the top stars of the game, with each Buckeye leaf representing a reward (3 leaves it the 1st place earner). Because it was loss, like the tradition for the leafs, there will be none awarded.

Playoff Picture

Ohio State will make the playoof die to the results of the games, but they are a bubble team to host a first round game, or will have to travel, but they will either play on December 20th or December 21st.

Looking Ahead

 Ohio State (10-2) will await their fate after championship weekend, and will likely be playing in the first round of the playoff.

Michigan (7-5) will await their bowl game on selection Sunday, December 8th.

Photo Credit: 10tv