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WATCH: Mike Sainristil shares he prepared to plant flag on Ohio State's field since last season

by: Austin Brezina11/26/22AustinBrezina59

Michigan senior Mike Sainristil broke down why he planted his team’s flag on the center of the field during a press appearance after beating Ohio State in The Game. The win was a huge one for the Wolverines, securing a Big Ten championship appearance. To add insult to injury for their rivals, Sainristil carried the Michigan flag to the Ohio State “Block O” at midfield and planted it in the field while celebrating their victory.

After the flag was planted, Michigan players gathered around the flag for a memorable photo opportunity — taking photos at midfield with their flag marking the win.

Mike Sainristil on planting the Michigan flag

“Was thinking about [doing] that since January,” explained Sainristil. “Just coming down here and having the opportunity to win this game at this stadium — first time since 2000. Even last year, the only thing I was thinking about was fans rushing the field. This year I was thinking about planting the flag. And just speaking it into existence. Just being able to do that feels great. I just think Coach Harbaugh’s doing a great job of helping us execute when this game comes about and just preparing us for this moment.”

As Sainristil explained it, the win was a turnaround moment in the rivalry between the Big Ten schools. The Wolverines celebrated their first win at Ohio Stadium since 2000, and the first road win in the rivalry for coach Jim Harbaugh — following up their huge victory and College Football Playoff appearance with another chance to repeat.

Although Michigan certainly took a moment to celebrate the moment, quarterback J.J. McCarthy said it best after the game — stating that their “job’s not finished.”

“Every win is great, and especially this one. But at the end of the day, this one doesn’t even matter. This doesn’t matter. The job’s not finished. We’ve got so much more to do and so many more places to go. The job’s not finished and we’re ready to get after it.”