Five things to know about Ohio State’s 27-9 victory over Michigan

That one felt good.

The first quarter of this year’s annual rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan gave me intense flashbacks to the four years prior. But this team, and importantly too, Ryan Day, turned a corner.

After a disastrous start that led to the Buckeyes being down 6-0, Michigan would be outmatched and downright dominated for the next 45 minutes of the game. Michigan was shutout after halftime and wound up not even mustering 200 total yards.

Here are five things you need to know about Ohio State’s 27-9 victory over Michigan.

1. Trench Warfare

Michigan from 2021-2024 prided themselves on being built from the inside. They wanted to win upfront. And for four years they did.

A tide turned on Saturday. Michigan recorded zero sacks. Sayin was never even pressured. Michigan also had negative rushing yards in the second half and just 100 on the day.

On the flip side, Ohio State sacked Underwood, had him under pressure, and ran for nearly 200 yards. There was a noticeable difference in physicality up front. Ohio State’s tight ends were finishing blocks, and the running backs were stonewalling their linebackers.

Maybe Sherrone Moore’s group needs some new “blue collar” jackets.

2. Bo Jackson

Jackson, despite not reaching the end zone, was probably the most impactful player on offensive for the Buckeyes. The freshman running back took 22 carries for 117 yards.

Jackson had a 36 yard burst that jolted a Buckeye drive. He also added four receptions for 49 yards. Jackson’s day totaled 26 touches for 166 yards of offense. He did it with speed and he also did it with force. Jackson stutter-stepped around a horde of Michigan defenders for a long run and was lowering his shoulder all day.

Jackson also wasn’t shy. He was jawing with Michigan defenders all day. Jyaire Hill, a Michigan defensive back was in Jackson’s face early and often.

Ultimately, it was Jackson, the Ohio native, who got the last laugh and made sure to let Hill know.

3. Dynamic Duo

The health of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate clouded most of the discussion leading up to Saturday’s game. They looked alright to me.

On Smith’s 20th birthday he made his stamp on the game with a 35 yard touchdown catch. Smith made a cut inside, jolted back outside, and the Michigan defensive back got tangled up on his own feet as he watched Smith waltz into the end zone. Smith would finish the day with three catches for 40 yards and one touchdown.

As for Tate, he had his signature deep-threat play. In a play that really sealed the game, Tate broke open down the middle of the field as Sayin laid a ball perfectly in his hands for a 50 yard touchdown to put Ohio State up 24-9. Tate would finish with five catches for 82 yards and one touchdown.

Brandon Inniss would also reel in a crucial touchdown catch.

4. Matt Patricia

That had to feel pretty good for Coach P, huh? Patricia had a rough tenure as the Detroit Lions head coach found himself on the naughty list for the majority of the state of Michigan. And that was before he ever took the job as the defensive coordinator of Ohio State.

When Patricia did ultimately take the Ohio State DC job, he was perpetually clowned on by the college football world. Well, who’s laughing now? Patricia has engineered the best defense in the country. His defense just held Michigan to nine points, 163 total yards, and zero touchdowns.

In a segment on the pregame show, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood said the game came down to the matchup between himself and Coach Patricia. I think it’s safe to say that Coach Patricia won that matchup and actually has seen a freshman like Bryce.

5. Perseverance: Ryan Day

I could write a whole book on Ryan Day’s past 365 days, but I will keep it to a couple paragraphs.

Nov. 30, 2024 marked one of, if not the, worst loss in Ohio State history. Ohio State had just dropped its fourth straight game to bitter rival Michigan while at home and favored by over 20 points.

Thousands of fans across the country wanted Day fired. The season felt over, Day looked lost, and the team was in free-fall. Day held a team meeting days later. He took accountability, he took criticism, and he endured death threats.

Since that loss, what Ryan Day has done is one of the most impressive runs in Ohio State football history.

Day is 16-0 since losing to Michigan in 2024. That includes four straight College Football Playoff wins and a national championship. That includes a win over the preseason No. 1 ranked Texas, and now that includes a win over Michigan that ended their playoff hopes and dreams.

I think we all as Buckeye fans have to take a moment to reflect on Day’s perseverance through this last year and enjoy where we currently sit. If Day wins the next four (hopefully), it truly would be the best run in Ohio State history.

So, let’s do it, Coach Day.