Ohio State dominated Michigan and now turns its full attention to Indiana. Here’s why the Buckeyes won’t suffer a letdown in the Big Ten Championship.
Ohio State walked into snowy Ann Arbor and delivered the program’s most complete performance of the Ryan Day era, dismantling Michigan 27-9 and reclaiming control of The Game. The Buckeyes played with confidence all week, carried themselves like the better team, and executed with a level of precision and poise Michigan could not match.
For four years, Ohio State lived with the weight of this rivalry. On Saturday, the Buckeyes ripped it off their shoulders. Day’s team stayed true to its identity, trusted the plan, and played Ohio State football from the opening kick to the final whistle.
Ohio State’s offense functioned at peak efficiency. Julian Sayin delivered a standout performance on the road, finishing 19-of-26 for 233 yards and three touchdowns without facing a single pressure behind an offensive line that produced 43 knockdowns. Sayin played with complete command, taking calculated risks when necessary, staying on schedule, and spreading the ball to his full arsenal.
Sayin also faced major adversity on the opening drive as he was baited by sinking coverage and threw an interception on a pass intended for Jeremiah Smith. How would the young quarterback respond on the road? The Big House was in full tilt because Michigan popped a 30+ yard run on the first play of the game. However, the Buckeyes didn’t flinch and stayed true to their business approach.
The offensive arsenal was fully operational. Carnell Tate (82 yards, TD) and Jeremiah Smith (40 yards, TD) looked like the elite perimeter threats Ohio State envisioned, both healthy again at the same time. Bo Jackson grounded Michigan with 117 rushing yards on 22 carries, serving as a battering ram that softened the Wolverines’ front and kept the Buckeyes ahead of the chains.
In total, Ohio State generated 419 yards, dominated the clock with 40 minutes of possession, and converted 10-of-17 on third down. The Buckeyes continue to be the most efficient offense in the country, regardless of opponent.
Matt Patricia’s defense once again proved it is the best unit in the country, holding Michigan to 163 total yards, 63 passing yards, just 1-of-9 on third down, and zero touchdowns. The Wolverines managed only three field goals — all in the first half — and were completely shut out after halftime.
Across 103 opponent possessions this season, Ohio State has allowed just 93 points, an absurd sub-one-point-per-possession average. Against Michigan, that dominance translated to overwhelming control: smothering coverage, disciplined run fits (after the first quarter), and consistent pressure that forced the Wolverines into desperation mode by the third quarter.
Ohio State forced Michigan to play from behind, which is uncomfortable for their run-first offense and true freshman quarterback. DE Caden Curry said their play was to “make [Bryce Underwood] play quarterback,” which meant the Buckeyes liked their advantages on the field.
Why There Will Not Be a Big Ten Championship Letdown Against Indiana
College football history is filled with teams that notch an emotional, drought-snapping win over a rival only to collapse the following week. That won’t happen for Ryan Day’s Buckeyes. This Ohio State team is built differently.
Ryan Day said the players “came in today with a bunch of energy” following its win against Michigan and delayed return travel from Ann Arbor.
— Blake T. Biscardi (@BlakeBiscardi) November 30, 2025
The Buckeyes didn’t see the Michigan win as a destination. It was simply goal No. 1. The players know they didn’t beat Michigan, nor win the Big Ten last year. Those have been the two driving motivations behind every workout, every meeting, and every practice since August.
This team is locked in. The culture is healthy, strong, and thriving. There is total alignment between players, coaches, and staff. Day’s commitment to routine and process has defined this season, and the roster has bought in completely. Ohio State is not an emotional team. It is a disciplined team.
Ryan Day described his team as “talented, tough, smart, and they care about each other” and said they saw what happened last year and know what it takes but this year’s team is different.
Day also added that there’s “great chemistry” between the coaches and players.
— Blake T. Biscardi (@BlakeBiscardi) November 30, 2025
And the next phase of the schedule only strengthens that mindset. With every remaining game indoors, Ohio State’s offense will increase tempo, widen spacing, and fully leverage its elite perimeter weapons. Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Max Klare, along with a surging offensive line and a punishing backfield anchored by Bo Jackson. The fast track amplifies everything Ohio State does well.
Indiana will be the Buckeyes’ toughest test after Michigan, but it will also be Indiana’s toughest test of the season. The Buckeyes enter the Big Ten Championship operating at maximum capacity, chasing history, and fully aware of what’s at stake.
They beat Michigan and earned their gold pants. Goal No. 1 is accomplished. Now it’s time to check off No. 2: Win the Big Ten Championship.
Blake Biscardi, a native of Pickerington, Ohio, is The Silver Bulletin’s Senior Editor and the Creator & Host of the Saturday Cadence podcast, a national college football show. As a trusted voice on Ohio State, the Big Ten, and College Football Playoff since 2016, Biscardi is a proud member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and a two-time Graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia.