Michigan upsets No. 2 Ohio State with a stunning 13-10 victory, thanks to Dominic Zvada’s clutch 21-yard field goal with just 45 seconds remaining. This unexpected win likely dashed the Buckeyes’ aspirations of competing in the Big Ten title game next week.
In a pivotal moment late in the game, Kalel Mullings showcased his speed with a 27-yard run, positioning the Wolverines (7-5, 5-4 in Big Ten play) at Ohio State’s 17-yard line with two minutes left. Although the drive stalled at the 3-yard line, Zvada stepped in to convert the easy field goal.
After the Wolverines took the lead, Ohio State (10-2, 7-2) regained possession but struggled to advance. Will Howard’s incomplete pass on fourth down sealed the Buckeyes’ fate, marking Michigan’s fourth consecutive win over their fierce rivals.
This defeat may sting the most for Ohio State, especially since Michigan entered the game unranked and had been facing a challenging season. Expectations were high for the Buckeyes, yet historical rivalries often defy records.
Ohio State’s performance was lackluster throughout the game. Howard completed 19 of 33 passes for 175 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions, while Jayden Fielding missed two field-goal attempts. The Buckeyes’ rushing attack was nearly nonexistent.
Mullings emerged as Michigan’s standout player, rushing for 116 yards and scoring the Wolverines’ only touchdown in the first half. Both teams struggled offensively in the frigid conditions.
Howard’s struggles were evident; he threw an interception deep in his territory during the first half, a mistake that directly contributed to Michigan’s scoring opportunity.
Following the final whistle, Michigan players attempted to plant their flag at midfield, igniting a confrontation with Ohio State players. A brief skirmish broke out, showcasing the intense rivalry that defines this matchup.
Michigan: capitalized on Ohio State’s off day to secure a crucial win.
Ohio State: faced an inexplicable performance in their most significant game of the season.
The Buckeyes will face consequences from this defeat.
Michigan now looks ahead to a minor bowl game, while Ohio State awaits the outcome of the College Football Playoff rankings.
Here are some key statistics highlighting Michigan’s remarkable upset, according to FOX Sports Research:
- This victory marks the first time Michigan has defeated Ohio State in four consecutive meetings since 1988-91.
- It is only the second instance in the rivalry’s history where an unranked Michigan team triumphed over an AP-ranked Ohio State team on the road, the first occurrence since 1950.
- Michigan entered the game as a 19.5-point underdog, marking the largest upset in the rivalry series since at least 1978. The previous largest upset occurred in 1996 when Michigan won as a 17-point underdog.
- Michigan has now won consecutive games in Columbus for the first time since 1986-90.
- The winning team in the rushing battle has prevailed in the last 23 meetings; the last team to win despite being out-rushed was Michigan in 2000.
- Since 2021, Ohio State has lost all four encounters against Michigan, while boasting a 43-4 record against other teams.
- Ohio State suffered its first home loss to an unranked opponent since 2014, ending a 54-game home winning streak against unranked teams.
- For the first time since 2011, Ohio State has lost multiple games to Big Ten opponents in the same season.
- Head coach Ryan Day has become the first Ohio State coach to lose four straight games to Michigan since John Cooper (1988-91).
- This marked Ryan Day’s first career loss to an unranked opponent, leaving him with a 47-1 record against such teams.
- Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith finished with 35 yards, now just 66 yards shy of becoming the fourth freshman in Big Ten history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards.
- Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka recorded four receptions, now eight away from surpassing David Boston for the second-most receptions in school history.
FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience 
