Recap: Michigan defeats Ohio State for third straight season, 30-24
After the officials confirmed that Ohio State's Julian Fleming had caught the ball, then fumbled, with Emeka Egbuka recovering, the Buckeyes were in position for a comeback.
But Rod Moore had other ideas.
He intercepted Kyle McCord's pass to end Ohio State's hopes, giving Michigan a three-game winning streak over its rival for the first time since 1995-97 and another trip to the Big Ten Championship Game.
"This is all about the fans, the players, this is all about the players," Michigan acting head coach Sherrone Moore told FOX Sports on the field after the game. "Coach Harbaugh, we got your back, baby. We love you. That was for you, baby."
Blake Corum, who turned 23 Saturday, had 22 carries for 88 yards and two touchdowns.
"It means everything to me," Corum told FOX Sports on the field. "My guys, we all came back for each other. We did it today. This is what we came back for, games like this — in the Big House, backs against the wall, people think you can't do it, people calling you all types of names. We came out victorious.
"The job's not finished."
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was 16-for-20 for 148 yards and one touchdown, couldn't contain his excitement after Rod Moore intercepted Kyle McCord to seal the win.
"I absolutely love that guy," McCarthy told FOX Sports. "It's gonna be our defense that helps us win games. They're the best defense in the country. I just love my guys so much. It's a special, special group."
Moore described the game-clinching play to FOX Sports.
"Before the play, I told myself somebody has to be the person to call game," Moore said. "I just saw the progression of the route, the quarterback's eyes and the ball came out. Game. I caught it and that's that.
"That's one hell of a feeling."
1:05 4Q: Another Turner FG puts Michigan up 30-24
It would have been nice to punch it in the end zone but the Wolverines came away with another James Turner field goal, this one for 37 yards.
Ohio State has no timeouts left.
8:05 4Q: OSU's Harrison scores, Michigan leads 27-24
The Buckeyes marched 65 yards in eight plays in 3:52 and Marvin Harrison Jr. caught a 14-yard touchdown pass.
11:57 4Q: Turner with another FG, Michigan up 27-17
The Wolverines had something cooking for a minute before stalling in the red zone.
But James Turner kicked a 38-yard field goal to push the lead to 10 points.
There was some razzle dazzle on the drive, with Donovan Edwards passing to Colston Loveland for 34 yards.
FOX Sports' Jenny Taft reported that Will Johnson is questionable and has left ankle taped up. She also said Zak Zinter has gone to the University of Michigan hospital for further evaluation.
1:55 3Q: Corum scores second TD, Michigan leads 24-17
After the emotional loss of offensive lineman Zak Zinter, who had to be carted off the field with an apparent knee injury, Blake Corum ran 22 yards for a touchdown on the very next play.
FOX Sports' Jenny Taft said that acting head coach Sherrone Moore told his team that everything else in this game was to be done for Zinter.
2:19 3Q: Zinter hurt
J.J. McCarthy threw an 18-yard pass to A.J. Barner for a first down but then offensive lineman Zak Zinter was hurt and had to be carted off the field.
It was a frightening scene as Zinter's teammates came onto the field and players on both sides took a knee.
5:35 3Q: OSU ties things up at 17
The Buckeyes went to the ground and fought for a 12-play, 75-yard drive that took 6:08 off the clock.
TreVeyon Henderson ran it the final 3 yards for the touchdown.
Henderson had six carries and Chip Trayanum had three on the drive.
Marvin Harrison Jr. also had a 14-yard first down catch.
11:43 3Q: Turner kicks field goal, Michigan up 17-10
If only that J.J. McCarthy pass to Roman Wilson had been in bounds, this might have been an even more successful drive.
But James Turner came through with a 50-yard field goal.
Halftime: Michigan leads Ohio State, 14-10
The Buckeyes had a good late drive in the second quarter but could not get in the end zone, forcing Jayden Fielding to try a 52-yard field goal.
Fielding, who kicked it fine when the Wolverines called a timeout, missed on the actual attempt.
Mike Sainristil had a fantastic hit on TreVeyon Henderson on the drive.
Marvin Harrison Jr. had a fantastic 44-yard reception during the drive, showing why he will be among the top picks in next year's NFL Draft, which will take place in Detroit.
J.J. McCarthy is 8-for-11 for 85 yards and one touchdown. Kyle McCord is 12-for-19 for 156 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Blake Corum has nine carries for 19 yards and one touchdown. Donovan Edwards has six carries for 13 yards. OSU's Henderson has eight carries for 19 yards. Tough sledding for running backs in this one.
Roman Wilson has two receptions for 31 yards and one touchdown. Colston Loveland has two for 23 yards and Cornelius Johnson has one for 19 yards. OSU's Harrison has two for 68 yards and Stover has three for 42 yards.
6:27 2Q: Ohio State responds with TD, Michigan leads 14-10
The Buckeyes weren't going to go quietly.
Kyle McCord led them on a 7-play, 73 yard drive that culminated in his pass to Emeka Egbuka for a 3-yard touchdown.
The big play on the drive was McCord's 32-yard pass to Cade Stover for 32 yards.
10:22 2Q: McCarthy to Wilson, Michigan leads, 14-3
J.J. McCarthy did not have a lot of room to throw the ball, but he managed to find Roman Wilson for the 22-yard touchdown.
It was ruled a touchdown on the field and after review, the call stood.
That was a 14-play, 75-yard drive that took 6:51 off the clock.
The best play on the drive was the 4th and 1 pass from McCarthy to Loveland for seven yards.
End 1Q: Michigan leads Ohio State, 7-3
Michigan managed to capitalize on Will Johnson's interception with a Blake Corum touchdown.
Corum now holds the record for most rushing touchdowns in a single season for Michigan with 21.
2:13 1Q: OSU kicks field goal, Michigan leads 7-3
On that drive, the Buckeyes did have some success moving the ball.
Michigan nearly got its second interception but Michael Barrett couldn't hang on.
But the defense held on and forced Ohio State's Jayden Fielding to kick a 43-yard field goal.
5:36 1Q: Corum scores TD, Michigan leads 7-0
After the interception, that drive was all Blake Corum.
Corum almost had the 1-yard score on third down but it was reviewed and the original call that he did not gain the yard stood.
Acting head coach Sherrone Moore did not hesitate, sending the offense back out to finish the job.
Corum and his offensive line delivered again, drawing first blood in this rivalry game.
7:32 1Q: Will Johnson picks off Kyle McCord
After some back and forth drives that led to nothing, Michigan makes the first big play of the game.
Will Johnson intercepted Kyle McCord's pass, which was intended for Marvin Harrison Jr. and returned it 18 yards to the Ohio State 7-yard line.
12:45 1Q: Both teams start with a three-and-out
It might take a minute for these teams to get settled in for this game.
Both the Buckeyes and Wolverines went 3 and out in their first drive.
Charles Woodson is a real one
Right after picking his Michigan Wolverines to win a close game over the Ohio State Buckeyes, Charles Woodson jumped up, grabbed a Michigan flag and ran onto the field.
Like everyone at the Big House, he's ready.
Who's in, who's out
Michigan beat writer Angelique Chengelis has the latest on which players are available today for both teams.
Waiting for Saturday's game between the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes has been like waiting for the Thanksgiving turkey to make it from the oven to the table.
Sure, you can snack on cheese and crackers or Chex mix, maybe some veggies and ranch dip, but you really want the main course.
Similarly, Michigan had to go through all the teams on their schedule — from East Carolina to Maryland — but there was always Ohio State looming.
It is finally time.
Michigan's offense has had no real trouble but it hasn't faced a defense like Ohio State's, which is ranked first in pass yards allowed per game at 144.4, second in scoring defense at 9.27 points per game and third in total defense at 252.9 yards per game.
On defense, Michigan has not faced a receiver this season like Marvin Harrison Jr., who has 62 receptions for 1,093 yards.
The more pressure the Wolverines can get on quarterback Kyle McCord, the less time he will have to get the ball to Harrison.
Follow along here for live updates from Detroit News contributor Dana Wakiji.
Michigan vs. Ohio State
▶Kickoff:Noon Saturday, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor
▶TV/radio:FOX/97.1-FM and 104.3-FM
▶Line:Michigan by 4
▶Records:No. 2 Ohio State (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten); No. 3 Michigan (11-0, 8-0)
▶Series:Michigan leads 60-52-6 (Last game: Nov. 26, 2022 — Michigan 45, (at) Ohio State 23
