The 2023 edition of “The Game” between Ohio State and Michigan was a classic, delivering an intense battle that left fans on the edge of their seats. Played on November 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Wolverines claimed their third consecutive victory over the Buckeyes with a 30-24 win, securing the Big Ten East title and reaffirming their dominance in the rivalry.
Both teams entered the game with undefeated records, making this clash one of the most anticipated in recent history. Michigan was ranked No. 3, while Ohio State held the No. 2 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. The outcome had significant playoff implications, as the winner was almost assured a spot in the postseason.
First Half Highlights
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with Michigan’s running game establishing an early rhythm. Blake Corum, Michigan’s star running back, opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown in the first quarter, marking his 21st rushing touchdown of the season, a new school record. Ohio State responded in the second quarter with a touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle McCord to Marvin Harrison Jr., bringing the score to 10-10.
Michigan regained the lead with a touchdown reception by Roman Wilson, giving the Wolverines a 17-10 advantage heading into halftime. Wilson’s touchdown catch was his 11th of the season, making him the top Wolverine receiver in terms of touchdowns during the Jim Harbaugh era.
Second Half Momentum Swings
The second half saw both teams trading punches. Corum scored again in the third quarter, this time on a 22-yard run, increasing Michigan’s lead to 24-17. The Wolverines’ defense, which had been a hallmark of their 2023 campaign, continued to apply pressure on Ohio State’s offense, forcing key stops at critical moments.
Ohio State managed to close the gap in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass from McCord to Harrison, cutting Michigan’s lead to 27-24. However, Michigan’s ball-control offense, led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy and Corum, orchestrated a 13-play, 56-yard drive that chewed up nearly seven minutes of game time. This pivotal drive culminated in a 37-yard field goal by Michigan kicker James Turner, pushing the lead to 30-24 with just over a minute left on the clock.
Key Moments and Performances
Blake Corum was the standout player for Michigan, rushing for 88 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His ability to consistently gain tough yards, especially late in the game, was crucial in wearing down Ohio State’s defense. Corum’s performance also propelled him to second on Michigan’s all-time rushing touchdown list, just behind Anthony Thomas.
On the defensive side, Michigan’s Derrick Moore made a critical pass deflection late in the game, preventing Ohio State from advancing during a crucial drive. Ohio State’s offense, led by McCord and Harrison, put up a valiant fight, but Michigan’s defense stiffened when it mattered most, forcing the Buckeyes to settle for fewer explosive plays than they were accustomed to throughout the season.
Michigan’s defense also continued its trend of forcing turnovers and key stops. The Wolverines have been dominant in preventing opponents from converting on third and fourth downs, and they maintained that form against Ohio State, limiting the Buckeyes’ ability to sustain drives in the second half.
The Impact of the Game
This victory was monumental for Michigan, as it marked their third straight win over Ohio State, a feat they hadn’t accomplished since the 1990s. It also extended Michigan’s record of 24 straight Big Ten wins, underscoring the program’s resurgence under Jim Harbaugh. Furthermore, the win all but secured Michigan’s spot in the College Football Playoff, as the Wolverines completed an undefeated regular season for the second consecutive year.
For Ohio State, this loss was a bitter pill to swallow, especially for head coach Ryan Day, who has now lost to Michigan in three straight seasons. The defeat likely knocked the Buckeyes out of playoff contention, marking another year of frustration in their storied rivalry with Michigan.
Conclusion
The 2023 Michigan-Ohio State game lived up to its billing as one of the most significant and competitive matchups in the history of the rivalry. Michigan’s balanced attack, led by Blake Corum and J.J. McCarthy, along with their tenacious defense, proved to be too much for the Buckeyes. As Michigan heads to the Big Ten Championship and likely the College Football Playoff, Ohio State is left to regroup and refocus for the future, still chasing redemption in this historic rivalry.
For Michigan fans, this victory cemented the Wolverines’ status as one of the elite programs in college football and added another chapter to Jim Harbaugh’s legacy as a coach who has brought Michigan back to national prominence.
