The Ohio State Buckeyes lead Michigan 17–9 at the half after one of the longest first halves in recent memory. Snow is falling in Ann Arbor, and outside of an early interception, Julian Sayin has been in total command. He has found his receivers, converted key third and fourth downs, and kept the offense moving. The defense has bent at moments but never broken, once again keeping the Wolverines out of the end zone in the opening half.
Here are the first-half takeaways for the Buckeyes in Ann Arbor.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOhio State RB Bo Jackson has been special
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) runs during the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.The freshman running back has been the engine of the offense, leading the team in both rushing and receiving at the break. He has 12 carries for 77 yards and three catches for 37 yards, coming through with important third-down conversions and explosive runs. Bo Jackson will be the key in the second half as Ohio State tries to keep the pressure on and build on its advantage against Michigan.
Ohio State wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate haven’t missed a step
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) warms up prior to the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025.Aside from the opening drive, the offense has been sharp, thanks largely to Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Tate is playing for the first time since the Penn State game, and Smith is returning after missing a game and a half, yet both look locked in. Smith has two catches for 36 yards and a touchdown, while Tate has three catches for 25 yards. It is clear that Sayin will continue leaning on them in the second half.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Ohio State defense continues to tighten up at crucial times
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms-up before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor , Michigan.Michigan has found some success on the ground, yet the Buckeye defense has limited big damage and kept the Wolverines out of the end zone. Bryce Underwood is just three of five for 16 yards as Ohio State has handled the passing game well. Michigan has 19 carries for 108 yards, but no touchdowns to show for it. Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles have been impact players again, and the defense will look to clamp down on the run and force Underwood to win the game through the air.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State vs. Michigan: 3 takeaways from the first half in Ann Arbor
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