Michigan Shocks Columbus and the Country

On November 30, 2024, at Ohio Stadium, Michigan defeated No. 2 Ohio State 13-10. The Wolverines improved to 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten) while the Buckeyes fell to 10-2 (7-2). Attendance was 106,005.

This marked Michigan’s fourth consecutive victory in the rivalry, its longest streak against Ohio State since 1988–91. Ohio State entered as a heavy favorite—roughly 21 points—yet was held to season lows in points and total offense. The result effectively eliminated the Buckeyes from Big Ten Championship contention.

First Half: Early Lead Changes and a Tied Score

Ohio State opened the scoring with Jayden Fielding’s 29-yard field goal in the first quarter. Michigan answered early in the second. After a short-field opportunity, Kalel Mullings scored on a 1-yard run to give the Wolverines a 7-3 lead.

Dominic Zvada then extended the advantage with a 54-yard field goal, making it 10-3. Ohio State responded before halftime, driving 75 yards in nine plays and tying the game on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Will Howard to Jeremiah Smith with 30 seconds remaining. The teams entered the break knotted at 10-10.

Michigan managed only limited offensive production in the half beyond the short scoring drives, while Ohio State’s offense showed flashes but also struggled for consistency.

Second Half: Defensive Control and a Late Kick

Neither team scored in the third quarter. Ohio State’s second-half possessions produced limited results: a punt, an interception, a missed field goal, and a three-and-out. Michigan’s defense forced two interceptions overall (from Aamir Hall and Makari Paige) and limited the Buckeyes to just 10 total yards in the fourth quarter with no first downs.

Michigan’s decisive drive covered 57 yards in 11 plays. The key moment came on a 27-yard run by Mullings that moved the ball into scoring range. An illegal substitution penalty on Ohio State aided the Wolverines on a critical third down. The drive stalled near the goal line, and Zvada converted a 21-yard field goal with 45 seconds remaining to put Michigan ahead 13-10.

Ohio State’s final possession gained only one yard. Howard’s incomplete pass on fourth down sealed the result.

Statistical and Contextual Notes

Mullings carried 32 times for 116 yards and the game’s only touchdown. Michigan outrushed Ohio State 172–77 and held a time-of-possession edge. Davis Warren completed 9 of 16 passes for 62 yards with two interceptions. Howard finished 19 of 33 for 175 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Fielding missed two field-goal attempts.

Ohio State totaled 252 yards; Michigan finished with 234. The Wolverines’ defense recorded multiple tackles for loss, sacks, and pass breakups while consistently limiting explosive plays.

In the broader arc of the rivalry, the 2024 meeting represented the culmination of Michigan’s four-year run of success against Ohio State that began in 2021. It also underscored the physical, low-scoring character that had defined several recent editions of the series, with Michigan winning the rushing battle for a fourth straight year. The postgame altercation that followed the final whistle added to the charged atmosphere that has long marked these contests.