Michigan shocks No. 2 Ohio State, 13-10, wins fourth straight in heated rivalry

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Despite everyone counting them out, including the oddsmakers installing them as three-touchdown underdogs, Michigan players said early in the week their intention was to play loose and have fun.

The Wolverines entered the 120th meeting against arch-rival Ohio State on the heels of reaching six wins and bowl eligibility, while the Buckeyes (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) were ranked No. 2 and on a roll.

This was supposed to be a mismatch. Michigan had other ideas in a 13-10 win over Ohio State on Saturday before 106,055 at Ohio Stadium, with kicker Dominic Zvada making a go-ahead 21-yard field goal with 45 seconds left. Michigan has now won four straight in the rivalry and two straight in Columbus. OSU coach Ryan Day is now 1-4 against the Wolverines.

Michigan outrushed Ohio State, 175-62, in the game. The Wolverines held Ohio State’s offense, which was averaging 439.1 yards, to 252 yards. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 10 nationally in scoring, averaging 37.8 points.

Even without starting tight end and leading receiver Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson, both out due to injuries, and with running back Donovan Edwards out for the second half because of an injury, the Wolverines found a way, mostly because of strong defensive play, some miscues by Ohio State — including an interception and two missed field goals — and a tough performance from running back Kalel Mullings.

Mullings keyed the game-winning drive that started with 6:13 left and the game tied, 10-10. Mullings had a 27-yard run on third down to the Ohio State 17 and appeared to cramp briefly. But he returned to the game and converted another third down with a 5-yard run. Zvada made two field goals in the game, including what would be the game-winner to culminate the drive.

Early in the fourth quarter, Michigan put together an impressive 77-yard, 15-play drive and on first down at the Ohio State 3-yard line, Warren was intercepted at the goal line by Jack Sawyer. He missed wide-open tight end Hogan Hansen.

Ohio State, however, was held to a three-and-out.

With the game tied to open the second half, Michigan forced Ohio State to stall on its first possession, but the Wolverines went three-and-out. On the Buckeyes’ next series, Howard, on third-and-7, was intercepted for the second time in the game, this time by Makari Paige.

Paige had briefly knocked Howard out of the game in the first half and had a key third-down pass breakup. Michigan turned around and on third down, Warren was picked off by Caleb Downs.

But Ohio State could not convert that turnover into points, as the Buckeyes missed on a 34-yard field goal, their second miss of the game.

Despite the Buckeyes outgaining Michigan, 87-20, in the third quarter and dominating the clock with 10:28 while also recording five first downs to one, neither team scored.

Michigan and Ohio State were tied, 10-10, at halftime, the Wolverines’ points coming off an interception of Howard that set up a short touchdown, and strong field position after Michigan’s defense forced a three-and-out and OSU’s 31-yard punt gave Michigan the ball at the Ohio State 39-yard line.

Ohio State outgained Michigan, 155-113, and was 11-to-4 on first downs in the first half but was held to 36 rushing yards. Michigan had 82 rushing yards, including 42 on 13 carries by Mullings. Howard, who left the game briefly early in the second quarter after taking a hit from Paige, was 12 of 18 for 119 yards and had a touchdown and interception, and Warren was 6 of 8 for 31 yards.

The Wolverines, trailing 3-0, decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 on the first play of the second quarter but Mullings was stuffed by Caleb Downs, giving Ohio State the ball at its 3-yard line. On third-and-9, Howard threw his seventh interception of the season, when Aamir Hall got his second pick in the last two games. Mullings gave the Wolverines a 7-3 lead on a 1-yard touchdown run.

Ohio State missed a chance to pull within a point when Jayden Fielding missed wide left on a 38-yard field goal attempt.

Zvada gave Michigan a 10-3 lead with 2:15 left on a 54-yard field goal, his seventh 50-plus field goal in seven attempts. The Buckeyes responded with a nine-play drive covering 75 yards and culminated with Jeremiah Smith scoring on a 10-yard pass to tie the game.