COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a thrilling exhibition of determination, the Michigan Wolverines stunned the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes with a nail-biting 13-10 victory, solidifying their status as underdogs. The crowd of 106,005 was predominantly filled with Ohio State supporters, but a small but vocal contingent of Michigan fans showed up, embodying the unwavering belief from their team’s home base in Ann Arbor.
Michigan, which has faced criticism for its offense throughout the season, delivered when it mattered most by winning the crucial rushing battle—a defining factor in this longstanding rivalry since 2001. They executed pivotal special teams plays and demonstrated resilience in defense against a formidable top-10 offense to secure the upset win.
Head coach Sherrone Moore emphasized the importance of trust among players, stating, “It wasn’t really about what anybody else thought. We didn’t talk about belief, we talked about trust… to go win the game.” Michigan entered the match as 19½-point underdogs, marking this victory as the most significant upset in this historic rivalry since 1969.
The Wolverines displayed grit, particularly in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Davis Warren, stepping up under pressure, completed crucial passes that kept their hopes alive despite an earlier interception. Though the Wolverines didn’t score points during one pivotal drive, they ate up valuable time and continued to trust their defense, which performed at an exceptional level throughout the game.
The defense, without two projected first-round NFL draft picks, rose to the occasion, surmounting every challenge from Ohio State’s offense. Michigan held Ohio State to just 252 yards and recorded impactful turnovers that kept the game within reach.
Dominic Zvada’s decisive 21-yard field goal in the final moments sealed Michigan’s victory. Rusher Kalel Mullings proved instrumental, contributing 118 rushing yards and leading his team with dedication. Mullings expressed his emotions after the game, sharing, “It’s amazing,” reflecting the joy and historic significance of the moment.
While the post-game atmosphere became tumultuous with a brawl between players, Mullings addressed the situation, urging that it detracted from the game’s integrity. He underscored the need for better sportsmanship.
Michigan’s defense indeed became the backbone of the upset, making crucial stops and creating turnover opportunities that allowed the offense to capitalize. The Wolverines dominated the rushing stats, a trend that continues to define the matchups in this rivalry.
As Michigan concludes this season above the .500 mark for the first time since 2014, they look forward to their upcoming bowl game, building momentum and confidence from this significant victory.
In a world full of unpredictability, the Michigan Wolverines demonstrated that perseverance, teamwork, and trust can lead to unexpected triumphs, encouraging fans to stay hopeful for what lies ahead.