If you walked into Michigan Stadium on November 29, 2025, you could feel the tension vibrating in the cold air. For four long years, the Ohio State Buckeyes had lived in a sort of gridiron purgatory. They hadn't beaten Michigan since 2019. Fans were restless, and the heat on head coach Ryan Day was becoming literal, despite the Ann Arbor frost. But when the clock finally hit zero at the Big House, the scoreboard told a brand-new story: Ohio State 27, Michigan 9.
It wasn't just a win. It was a complete exorcism of the "maize and blue" demons that had haunted Columbus for nearly half a decade.
The Turning Point for the Buckeyes
The game didn't actually start great for the Buckeyes. Honestly, it looked like more of the same early on. Michigan’s defense was flying around, and redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin—the guy everyone was watching—threw an interception on just his second pass attempt of the game. Jyaire Hill snagged it, and the Big House went absolutely wild.
Michigan turned that momentum into two quick field goals by Dominic Zvada. Suddenly, it’s 6-0 Wolverines. You could almost see the "here we go again" tweets being drafted in real-time.
But then things shifted. Sayin didn't blink. He’s got this weirdly calm composure for a kid his age. He started leaning on his superstar receivers, and the game changed. The defining moment? A gutsy 35-yard touchdown strike to Jeremiah Smith on a fourth-down play in the second quarter. That wasn't just a touchdown; it was a statement that Ohio State wasn't playing scared anymore.
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By the Numbers: How the 27-9 Victory Happened
If you look at the box score, the disparity is kinda shocking. Michigan, usually known for their "ground and pound" identity, got absolutely stifled. The Buckeyes' defense, led by Sonny Styles, held the Wolverines to just 163 total yards. That is the lowest output Michigan had all season.
Key Stats That Defined the Game
- Passing Yards: Ohio State 233, Michigan 63
- Third Down Efficiency: Ohio State went 11-for-16; Michigan managed a dismal 1-for-10.
- Time of Possession: The Buckeyes held the ball for over 40 minutes.
That last stat is the one that really kills you if you're a Michigan fan. Ohio State basically played keep-away in the second half. They had one drive in the fourth quarter that was a soul-crushing 20-play, 81-yard marathon. It took nearly 12 minutes off the clock and ended in a field goal that made it 27-9. By that point, the outcome was academic.
Why Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith are Different
We have to talk about Julian Sayin. He finished 19-of-26 for 233 yards and three touchdowns. For a redshirt freshman in the biggest rivalry in sports, that’s just ridiculous. He didn't just dink and dunk, either. He hit Carnell Tate for a 50-yard bomb in the third quarter that basically put the game out of reach.
Jeremiah Smith is the other half of that equation. Even when he’s not putting up 200 yards, his gravity on the field opens up everything else. Michigan had to respect the deep threat, which allowed Bo Jackson to find room on the ground. Jackson ended up with 117 rushing yards on 22 carries. It was a perfectly balanced attack that Sherrone Moore's defense just couldn't solve.
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On the other side, Michigan struggled to find an identity. Bryce Underwood, the highly touted freshman, was held to a season-low 63 passing yards. He’s talented, no doubt, but the Buckeyes' pass rush never let him get comfortable. They sacked him repeatedly and forced a late interception by Davison Igbinosun to seal the deal.
Ryan Day and the Weight of the Rivalry
You could see the emotion on Ryan Day’s face after the game. He’s a guy who has won a lot of games—even a national championship—but the 1-4 record he held against Michigan prior to this game was the only thing people wanted to talk about.
"To tell you that the last four years have been easy is not true," Day told reporters while looking visibly relieved. This win moved him to 2-4 against the Wolverines, but more importantly, it secured a 12-0 perfect regular season and a trip to the Big Ten Championship against Indiana.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Game
A lot of folks think Ohio State won because they had "better athletes." That’s a bit of a lazy take. The truth is, they won because they were more physical. Usually, Michigan is the team that bullies people in the trenches. Not this time.
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The Buckeyes' offensive line was dominant, especially in the second half. They didn't just pass; they ran the ball when everyone knew they were going to run the ball. That’s a massive culture shift for a program that had been labeled as "soft" by rivals for several years.
What Happens Next for Both Teams?
If you're a Buckeye fan, the vibes are at an all-time high. The team is headed to Indianapolis to face the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers for the Big Ten title. They are almost guaranteed a top seed and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff regardless of that outcome, but a win would cement them as the undisputed #1 team in the country.
For Michigan, it’s a time for some tough questions. Ending the season at 9-3 isn't a disaster for most programs, but losing "The Game" at home hurts. They’ll head to a bowl game—likely a high-tier one—but the focus will immediately shift to how they can bridge the gap that Sayin and Smith have created in the talent department.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Big Ten Championship: Ohio State vs. Indiana is a matchup of two 12-0 teams. It’s arguably the biggest game in Big Ten history.
- Keep an eye on the Heisman race: Julian Sayin’s performance in Ann Arbor has catapulted him into the frontrunner conversation.
- Recruiting Trail: Expect Michigan to be very aggressive in the portal this off-season for offensive line depth and receiving threats to support Underwood.
The 2025 edition of "The Game" proved that rivalries are cyclical. The Buckeyes are back on top, and the road to the National Championship officially runs through Columbus.