In the world of college football, few rivalries are as intense or historic as the one between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes. The 2023 showdown was no exception, with the Wolverines emerging victorious in a thrilling game that ended with a score of 30-24.
The game occurred on Saturday, November 25, at the Big House. The Wolverines and Buckeyes entered the game with impressive records of 12 wins and no losses, so the stakes were high. Both teams were ready to put it all out on the field. Revise that—only one team was ready to put it all out on the field.
The Wolverines’ offense was led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who passed for 148 yards and scored one touchdown. Running back Blake Corum also had a standout performance, rushing for 88 yards and scoring two touchdowns. The Wolverines’ defense was equally impressive, holding the Buckeyes to just 24 points.
Michigan started to emerge on the defensive side of the ball in the second half. Senior defensive back Mike Sainristil led the charge with three tackles for loss and a sack, while cornerback Will Johnson came away with his third interception of the year. However, the dagger came with 42 seconds left in the fourth quarter when Kyle McCord threw another pick, this time to Rod Moore.
In the end, the Buckeyes couldn’t overcome the Wolverines’ strong defense and dynamic offense. The game ended with a huge victory for the Wolverines, marking their third consecutive win over the Buckeyes and their third straight appearance in the Big Ten Championship game. This was a monumental achievement for the Wolverines, as they hadn’t accomplished a three-game winning streak over the Buckeyes since 1995-97. Oh, how the tables have turned.
The Wolverines’ victory over the Buckeyes in 2023 was more than just a win; it was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and determination. It was a game that will be remembered for years to come, not just by the players and coaches but by the fans as well. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wasn’t even on the sidelines in this game; it was offense line coach Sherrone Moore who maned the sidelines, an embarrassment for all OSU fans. In the Wolverine’s previous two wins against the Bucks, there was a lot of controversy that marked the success. Now, with Jim Harbaugh sidelined and star players like Will Johnson and Zak Zinter getting injured, Ohio State has no more excuses to make. However, believe me, they’ll find some.
As the Wolverines continue to build on their success, one thing is certain: the future of Michigan football looks bright.
