Michigan Shocks No. 2 Ohio State with Last-Second Field Goal in "The Game"

In a stunning turn of events, Michigan (7-5, 5-4 Big Ten) defeated No. 2 Ohio State (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten) 13-10 on Saturday, a victory that will echo for years to come in one of college football's fiercest rivalries. With 45 seconds remaining, Dominic Zvada kicked a 21-yard field goal to seal the win, giving the Wolverines their fourth consecutive victory over the Buckeyes and sending shockwaves through the Big Ten.

This upset was especially painful for Ohio State, which entered the game as 21-point favorites—the widest spread in this rivalry since 1978—expecting to march toward the Big Ten Championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth. Instead, the Buckeyes watched as Michigan, despite missing key players like tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson, played a gritty, opportunistic game to pull off the win.

A Frigid Afternoon, A Gritty Michigan Performance

The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm on a cold and bitter afternoon in Columbus. Michigan's offense, led by running back Kalel Mullings, was the highlight of the day. Mullings rushed for 116 yards and scored the Wolverines’ only touchdown of the game in the first half, a 3-yard run that gave Michigan a 7-3 lead at the break.

While Michigan was controlling the ball on the ground, Ohio State’s offense was a shadow of its usual self. Quarterback Will Howard was erratic, completing just 19 of 33 passes for 175 yards, with one touchdown, two interceptions, and a particularly costly pick in his own territory that led to Michigan's first-half touchdown. Howard also missed key throws in critical situations, and the Buckeyes’ running game was non-existent, finishing with just 77 yards on the ground.

“We held a high-powered offense to 10 points,” said Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, proud of his team's defensive effort. The Wolverines’ defense was swarming, particularly in the second half, as they prevented Ohio State from ever getting comfortable. Howard, although physically fine after being briefly checked for a head injury, was clearly out of sync, and his frustration was evident.

The Final Drive and Zvada’s Heroic Kick

With two minutes remaining, Michigan got a break when Mullings broke free for a 27-yard run, putting the Wolverines in prime position at the Ohio State 17-yard line. The drive stalled at the 3, but Zvada came on to kick a 21-yard field goal for the lead.

After a quick timeout, the Buckeyes took over with 45 seconds left, hoping to set up a final, dramatic drive. But Michigan’s defense had other plans. Ohio State failed to gain any meaningful yardage, and on fourth down, Howard’s desperation pass fell incomplete, sealing the Buckeyes' fate and sending Michigan players and fans into a frenzy.

"It's the biggest one of the year,” Zvada said after the game. “To be able to come in here and take the win, it's amazing.”

Ohio State’s Heartbreak and Questions Ahead

For Ohio State, this loss stung more than any other in recent memory. The team was a heavy favorite, and after a strong season, they entered “The Game” with aspirations of not only winning the Big Ten but securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. But those dreams were dashed as they fell short in every phase of the game, especially when it mattered most.

Howard’s performance, in particular, was a major disappointment. His two interceptions and missed opportunities in the second half contributed to Ohio State’s inability to generate consistent offense. Meanwhile, Michigan capitalized on every mistake, playing smart, physical football in a game where everything was on the line.

“This one hurts,” Howard said, visibly emotional after the game. “We’re a two-loss team, but we’ll get into the playoffs and make a run.”

Head coach Ryan Day echoed the sentiment, expressing disbelief at how the Buckeyes could perform so poorly in such a critical matchup. “We expected to win this game and go play in the Big Ten Championship Game,” Day said. “This is tough.”

A Hard-Fought Rivalry

As expected, the post-game atmosphere was charged with emotion. Michigan players attempted to plant their flag at midfield, an act that sparked a confrontation with Ohio State players. The two teams exchanged shoves and jabs before police were called to break up the altercation, deploying pepper spray to separate the players.

“It’s a rivalry, man,” Michigan’s Mullings said after the game. “We made plays, and they made plays, but in the end, we had more.”

The Takeaways

Michigan: The Wolverines did just enough to beat a superior team on paper, and while they are a long shot to make the College Football Playoff, this victory should provide a boost for the program moving forward. Michigan showed that when its defense is on point and it can control the clock with the run game, it’s capable of knocking off even the best teams. The win also gives them another year of bragging rights in this storied rivalry.

Ohio State: For the Buckeyes, this is a crushing defeat that could derail their College Football Playoff hopes. The offense failed to live up to expectations, and the defense couldn’t stop Michigan when it counted. Ohio State will now have to wait for the College Football Playoff rankings to see if they can sneak into the four-team field, though this loss likely means they won’t make it. The departure of key seniors, who had stayed specifically to beat Michigan, only adds to the heartbreak.

What's Next?

Michigan: The Wolverines now look ahead to a possible bowl game, but they will savor this victory for years to come. As for coach Sherrone Moore, this win marks a turning point for a team that started the season with so many questions but now has a defining victory under its belt.

Ohio State: For the Buckeyes, the next step is waiting to see if they will make the College Football Playoff. With two losses and a significant upset at home, Ohio State will be hoping for a favorable outcome when the final rankings are announced. If they don’t make the cut, they will have to regroup quickly and set their sights on a potential New Year’s Six bowl game.

In the end, Michigan has proven once again that records and expectations mean little when these two teams face off. On this day, it was the Wolverines who left Columbus with a stunning victory that will be remembered for years to come.

Cameron Williams

DiSportsPhotoAgency

Senior Writer