Ohio State Game Grades vs. Michigan

The Ohio State Buckeyes beat the Michigan Wolverines 30-27 in one of the greatest renditions of The Game ever played Saturday. Ohio State never led in regulation, missed two field goals and threw an interception, but it still found a way to win. Ohio State kept Michigan out of the Big Ten Championship Game and kept its playoff hopes alive with the win.

Here are the grades for The Game!

Rushing Offense: A

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Considering how dominant the Michigan front seven has been, the Buckeyes were able to run the ball on the Wolverines. They gained 206 yards on 50 carries and reached the end zone three times on the ground. J.T. Barrett had 30 carries for 125 yards and a rushing touchdown in overtime, and Curtis Samuel had 54 yards and scored the walk-off touchdown run in double overtime.

Rushing Offense: A

Passing Offense: C-

Associated Press

Barrett looked uncomfortable—rightfully so because the Michigan pass rush controlled the offensive line for much of the game. Barrett finished the game 15-of-32 for 124 yards passing and an interception that wasn’t really his fault. If the Buckeyes want to have success in the College Football Playoff, he will have to be better.

Passing Offense: C-

Rushing Defense: A+

Associated Press

The Ohio State front seven yet again proved it is one of the best in the country. The Buckeyes held Michigan’s dominant ground game to just 91 yards rushing. Raekwon McMillan led the way for the Buckeyes, having his best game of the season and amassing nearly 20 tackles.

Rushing Defense: A+

Passing Defense: A

Associated Press

Ohio State’s secondary and linebackers were good when it mattered against Michigan. Malik Hooker’s pick-six put the first points on the board for Ohio State, and Jerome Baker’s interception set up the second Ohio State touchdown in regulation.

The cornerbacks did not let Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson get comfortable, only allowing 10 catches to the duo. Limiting tight end Jake Butt was big for the Buckeyes as well.

Passing Defense: A

Special Teams: F

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Tyler Durbin missed a 37-yard field goal in the first quarter and had a horrible miss on a usually easy 20-yard attempt. It was the first time the walk-on had missed two field goals in his career. Durbin did, however, hit the crucial field goal to send the game to overtime.

Cameron Johnston failed at trying a fake punt inside the Ohio State 20-yard line, setting up a Michigan touchdown.

Special Teams: F

Conclusion

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

After the thrilling win, Ohio State will sit back and hope the committee selects it to be in the Top Four and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes’ resume looks as good as anyone else’s in the country, and now it is a waiting game!

This will likely be the first comment section free of Michigan fans this season, so let me know how you thought the Buckeyes looked in The Game!