Michigan wanted to win against Ohio State for the first time since 2011. This was Harbaugh’s first win since taking over as Head Coach.
No. 6 Michigan The Wolverines ended their eight-game losing streak by defeating No. 2 Ohio State Saturday, 42-27
The entire game was won by the Wolverines on the ground.
Haskins ran for 169 yards and five touchdowns on 28 carries. Blake Corum ran for 87 yards on six carries, while A.J. Henning ran a 14 yard touchdown in the first half, with his one carry.
Cade McNamara went 13-for-19, with 159 passing yards. He also had an interception. Roman Wilson caught two passes for 55 yards, leading Wolverines. Nine different Michigan players had catches.
While Michigan’s defense gave up 27 points, Hutchinson provided some significant help on the defense line. C.J. was forced to make a lot of throws by him. He forced C.J. to throw a lot of his throws on the run and under duress.
Hutchinson was the only player to have three sacks. David Ojabo, from Michigan, also had a bag.
Stroud was 34-for-49 with two touchdown passes. Jaxon Smith-Njigba led with 11 catches for 127 yards. Garrett Wilson had 10 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. TreVeyon Henderson had the other touchdown catch.
With the win, Michigan improved to 11-1 and Ohio State dropped to 10-2. The Big House fans rushed to the field to celebrate one the most significant wins of recent memory.
Since taking over as Michigan’s coach for Brady Hoke, Jim Harbaugh was just 0-5 against Buckeyes. He was three points behind Saturday’s win in 2016, which was his closest defeat. The Wolverines were ranked number. At the time, Ohio State was No. 2.
Harbaugh could rest easily knowing that Ohio State is the one he can beat.
Michigan entered the game having lost eight straight games against Ohio State. Since 2011, the Wolverines have not beaten Ohio State and have only one win against them since 2003.
A win for Michigan will boost their chances of making it to the College Football Playoff, and probably ends any hope of the Buckeyes reaching the final four.
Michigan has never reached the playoffs and, barring a loss at the Big Ten Championships, the Wolverines could be competing for the national title.
