For the first time since 2011, Michigan Football has beaten Ohio State in their huge rivalry matchup. On Saturday, November 27, The University of Michigan, coming in ranked 5th in college football, faced off against Ohio State University, ranked 2nd in college football.

The confrontation between the two teams usually results in an Ohio State victory, but for the first time in a decade the Wolverines prevail. The victory secured Michigan a place in this Saturday’s Big Ten Conference championship game against No. 16 Iowa.

Ohio State’s game play was worse than anticipated. The Buckeyes offense was only able to rush 64 yards in the entire game. Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud was able to throw for an impressive 394 yards but he was only able to secure 2 touchdown passes. Running back Treveyon Henderson rushed 1 yard for the other touchdown.

On the other hand, the Wolverines, whom won the game by 15, got off to a great start. Michigan scored a touchdown on their opening drive and followed it up with a defensive stop, immediately gaining momentum. The Wolverine offensive line dominated, leading the way for 297 rushing yards and zero sacks. While there were no passing touchdowns scored on the Michigan side, Hassan Haskins led the Wolverines with 169 yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver, A.J. Henning added another rushing touchdown for the Wolverines. The Wolverines were also able to sack the Ohio quarterback 4 times resulting in a total loss of 30 rushing yards. 

Seth Friedman, a Wayne Hills class of 2019 alumni and University of Michigan student said, “It was amazing to be a part of such a big win. The atmosphere in the building was amazing and I think it motivated the players to want it more.”

After being hired in 2015, Jim Harbaugh won his first matchup against Ohio State. The rivalry game has always been a huge representation of the coaching and Harbaugh was on thin ice after 5 consecutive loses to Ohio State. He was the only coach to remain at Michigan after losing this huge rivalry for more than three years in a row. Michigan passed Ohio State in the College Football rankings leaving them at the two seed. Next up for Michigan is the Big Ten Championship against Iowa. If they win, they will find themselves a spot in the College Football Playoffs. For Ohio State, they no longer can find themselves in the college football playoffs.

After the game, thousands of students and fans rushed the field. The long wait to beat their rival was finally over and the students stormed in excitement.