Dominic Zvada kicked a 21-yard field goal with 45 seconds left, and Michigan shocked No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday, ruining the Buckeyes’ chance to reach the Big Ten title game.
Kalel Mullings made a 27-yard run, putting Michigan (7-5, 5-4) at Ohio State’s 17-yard line with two minutes left in the game. The drive ended at the 3-yard line, and Zvada came in to kick the short field goal.
Ohio State (10-2, 7-2, No. 2 CFP) got the ball back but couldn’t move it forward. Will Howard threw an incomplete pass on fourth down, giving Michigan their fourth consecutive win over the Buckeyes.
“You come to Michigan to play this game,” Zvada said. “So, it’s the biggest one of the year. It’s the one that everyone looks forward to, and to be able to come in here and take the win, it’s amazing.”
This loss for Ohio State in “The Game” might have been the hardest one in the past four years because Michigan was unranked and ending a tough season. The Wolverines also played without key players, including tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson.
Ohio State was favored by 21 points, the largest spread for this rivalry since 1978, according to ESPN Stats and Info.
Records and point spreads don’t mean much when these two teams meet.
“Our defense played outstanding,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. “We held a high-powered offense to 10 points, 77 rushing yards.”
Ohio State struggled all afternoon. Howard was 19 for 33 with 175 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Jayden Fielding also missed two field goals. The run game was weak.
“It’s hard, man,” an emotional Howard said. “I really don’t have much right now. I do know we’re a two-loss team. We’re going to get into the playoffs and make a run. But, I mean, this one hurts.”
Mullings was Michigan’s main player. He rushed for 116 yards and scored the Wolverines’ only touchdown in the first half, as both teams struggled offensively on the cold day.
“They made plays, we made plays, so as the game wore on you could definitely, slowly feel them starting to lose confidence, lose that energy and lose that faith,” Mullings said.
Howard was off all day. In the first half, he threw an interception from deep in his own territory, which led to Michigan’s touchdown.
He left for a play in the second quarter to be checked for a head injury. After the game, he said he was fine.
“We’re very disappointed, and never thought this would happen right here,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “We expected to win this game and go play in the Big Ten championship game.”
After the game, Michigan players tried to plant their flag at midfield, which led to a confrontation with Ohio State players. Both teams pushed and shoved before being separated, and police used pepper spray to break up the fight.
