Photo Gallery: Ohio State crumbles in second half, falls to Michigan in The Game
COLUMBUS — Ohio State knew what was on the line Saturday.
The Buckeyes spent a whole year putting in the work to try and avenge a back-breaking loss in The Game in 2021.
Now they have to do it all over again: Michigan 45, Ohio State 23.
No. 2 Ohio State (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) came out of the gate and played a great first quarter. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was dynamic and proficient on the Buckeyes’ opening drive and eventually found wide receiver Emeka Egbuka for six.
The Buckeyes’ defense shut down the Wolverines and found themselves up a quick 10-3.
But it was little moments and decisions that altered the course of The Game. A decision to punt the ball instead of keeping the ball in the hands of the offense. Too many explosive plays from Michigan that all ended up as touchdowns.
It was a day that Ohio State would like to forget but its burden is carrying that same feeling it has for 366 days now.
“We’ll figure out what’s next,” coach Ryan Day said. “And I don’t know exactly what is next right now. But that’s life at Ohio State. I certainly know what this game means to everybody. And so when you lose, it all comes back to me, I’m the head coach.”
The Buckeyes’ aspirations and goals — winning The Game, the Big Ten and the national championship — have seemingly turned from goals into dreams.
Lettermen Row as always was in the press box and on the field and as the Buckeyes try to piece together another head-shaking loss, we have a photo gallery from Saturday’s loss.
ICYMI: Photo Gallery: Ohio State hosts high number of talented prospects
Check out the gallery below.
