Ohio State Controls The Line And Tempo In A Way Michigan Usually Owns

For 1,463 days, Ryan Day battled through a self-imposed purgatory, haunted by a specific hue of maize and blue. On a snowy Saturday in Ann Arbor, he not only exorcised those spirits but also banished them entirely. Displaying the very qualities Michigan used to dominate the Buckeyes for four years—control at the line of scrimmage and resolute defense—No. 1 Ohio State triumphed over No. 15 Michigan 27-9, securing a spot in the Big Ten Championship.“I’m just thrilled for our players,” an emotional Day expressed amid swirling snow at Michigan Stadium. “They have put in tremendous effort. We won the battle at the line, and I'm proud of our team. We approach our wins with humility.”This victory marked the end of a four-game losing streak, a shadow that had loomed over Day’s impressive winning percentage. The manner of the win provided ultimate relief. Ohio State (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) outgained Michigan 419-163, challenging the Wolverines at their own game. Buckeyes’ defense minimized Michigan's rushing to only 100 yards, denying them a touchdown for the first time in "The Game" since 2007."The guys showed tenacity and physicality," Day stated. Freshman running back Bo Jackson, amassing 117 yards on 22 carries, set the...