Ohio State Ends Four-Game Losing Streak, Dominates Michigan 30-9
INDIANAPOLIS - No. 2 Indiana (12-0, 9-0, No. 2 CFP) advanced to the conference championship game Saturday night in Indianapolis after Ohio State decisively defeated Michigan 30-9, snapping a four-game losing streak to their rivals.
The Wolverines (9-3, 7-2) started strong with two field goals and an interception on the first three possessions, but Ohio state quarterback Sayin quickly took control. Sayin finished the game 19-of-26 for 233 yards and threw for at least three touchdowns for the sixth time this season.
Sayin was 6-of-6 for 68 yards with two touchdowns on third and fourth down in the first half,including a 4-yard throw to Brandon Inniss with 16 seconds left to make it 17-9 at the break. A contested touchdown pass to Smith early in the second quarter drew scrutiny from Fox’s officiating expert, Mike Pereira, who questioned whether Smith had control of the ball. Coach Sherrone Moore stated officials told him the call was “inconclusive.”
Ohio State extended their lead in the third quarter with a 50-yard touchdown pass from Sayin to Carnell Tate. The Buckeyes then capped a 20-play, 81-yard drive – lasting nearly 12 minutes – with a field goal midway through the fourth quarter.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood,the nation’s No.1 recruit a year ago, struggled, going 8 of 13 for a season-low 63 yards with a late interception. The Wolverines managed only 100 rushing yards on 24 carries against Ohio State’s top-ranked defense.
“We’re going to win with humility,” said Ohio State coach Ryan Day, visibly emotional, in a post-game interview with Fox.
Michigan coach Sherrone Moore acknowledged his team’s shortcomings. “It’s got to be better.I put it on me.”
An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Michigan edge rusher Jaishawn Barham,for appearing to make contact with an official,drew attention but did not result in ejection. Moore explained, “The official grabbed him and he shouldn’t have reacted.”
