Field goals couldn't compensate for a stagnant offense. The Wolverines' passing and rushing games faltered against Ohio State, costing them a crucial victory.
The clock hit zero on Saturday, and with it, Michigan’s hopes for a fourth straight victory over Ohio State were extinguished in a decisive 27-9 loss at the Big House. While the defense battled admirably in spurts, the ultimate story of "The Game" was the offensive failure of the 15th-ranked Wolverines, whose unit looked unprepared, disjointed, and ultimately, powerless against the nation's top-ranked Buckeyes.
The Red Zone Roadblock and Field Goal Follies
Michigan opened the contest with promising drives, marching into Ohio State territory on their first two possessions. The early momentum, however, quickly dissolved into a recurring, painful theme: stalling out and settling for field goals. After an interception by defensive back Jyaire Hill set up the offense with favorable field position, the Wolverines once again failed to punch the ball into the end zone.
In a game against the No. 1 team in the country, touchdowns are a premium, yet Michigan settled for three field goals in the first half. These six points—the largest deficit Ohio State had faced all season—felt more like a missed opportunity than a genuine advantage. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes converted their opportunities into touchdowns, creating a critical nine-point swing that fundamentally shifted the game's momentum and confidence levels. This inability to convert in the red zone proved to be an insurmountable hurdle.
The Air Attack Disappears
The most glaring offensive struggle came in the passing game, led by true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. Against an elite Ohio State defense, Underwood completed a season-low 8-of-13 passes for a meager 63 yards, including a late-game interception. The lack of an effective air attack crippled the entire offense, forcing the Wolverines to become one-dimensional.
The coaches appeared to have little confidence in opening up the playbook, which resulted in conservative play-calling that failed to challenge Ohio State's stellar secondary. Without the threat of an explosive passing game, the Buckeyes were able to load the box and dedicate more resources to stopping the run, making Michigan's already difficult task virtually impossible. This uneven performance limited the big-play potential of standout receivers like Andrew Marsh and left the offense searching for rhythm all afternoon.
The Ground Game Grinds to a Halt
Historically, the team that wins the rushing battle has won "The Game" in each of the last 23 meetings. Michigan entered the game with one of the top rushing attacks in the nation, but the Ohio State defensive front had an answer for everything. The Wolverines were held to just 100 rushing yards on 24 carries, their worst rushing performance of the season.
The dominance of Ohio State's defensive line was starkly evident. Even with a 36-yard burst by running back Jordan Marshall on the opening drive, the Wolverines failed to consistently generate the push or find the running lanes that had defined their season. This inability to control the line of scrimmage, especially in the second half where Michigan produced a paltry 39 total yards of offense, was the final nail in the coffin.
A Disastrous Second Half
The second half was a complete washout for the Michigan offense. They scored zero points, had only four possessions, and three of those ended in punts. The Buckeyes, conversely, wore down the Wolverines' defense, controlling the clock for over 40 minutes of the game. Ohio State’s prolonged, methodical drives kept the Michigan offense off the field, stifling any chance for a comeback.
The disappointing performance in "The Game" will undoubtedly lead to serious questions about the offensive strategy and play-calling moving forward. Against a rival that has now snapped Michigan’s four-game winning streak in the rivalry, the Wolverines simply didn't generate enough firepower to compete.