ANN ARBOR, MICH. – Emotions were intense throughout today’s battle between Michigan and Ohio State. The game was very close from start to finish. It was a fight to the end both figuratively and literally.
Michigan struck first when quarterback Devin Gardner ran for a one yard touchdown. Ohio State answered back when Devin Smith caught a 53 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Braxton Miller. After that, Michigan running back Fitzgerald Toussaint ran for a four yard touchdown giving Michigan a 14-7 lead. Ohio State answered again when Miller ran for a 53 yard touchdown.
Miller threw for 133 yards and 1 touchdown. He rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns.
Early in the second quarter, Gardner threw a 17 yard touchdown pass to receiver Jeremy Gallon. Michigan took a 21-14 lead.
After what seemed to be an eternity, the Buckeyes finally answered back when Miller ran for a 21 yard touchdown. The Buckeyes and Wolverines were tied at 21 at halftime.
Second quarter brawl
The hatred became obvious when a fight broke out in the second quarter. Buckeyes Right Guard Marcus Hall and kick returner Dontre Wilson were ejected. The Wolverines lost backup linebacker Royce Jenkins-Stone.
Hall showed some anger toward the Michigan crowd as he extended both middle fingers at the crowd.
Punishments are very likely for Ohio State and possibly for Michigan. Ohio State probably won’t receive a bowl ban but it would not be surprising to see a suspension or two for the Big Ten Championship against Michigan State. Ohio State may also lose a few scholarships.
Ohio State was in full control in the third quarter. Braxton Miller ran for a 3 yard touchdown with 6 minutes and 59 seconds to go in the third quarter. Buckeyes Tight End Jeff Heuerman caught a 22 yard touchdown from Braxton Miller. It was the only time Ohio State was up by two touchdowns.
The Wolverines owned Ohio State in the 4th quarter. Carlos Hyde scored a touchdown for Ohio State but Michigan scored three times in the end zone.
Hyde rushed for 226 yards and 1 touchdown.
Close call- Michigan fails on the two point conversion
A cardiac moment was developing in the end for Ohio State. The Wolverines had a chance to take a one point lead which would have likely sunk Ohio State. With 32 seconds to go, Michigan scored a touchdown which made the score 42-41. Coach Brady Hoke decided it was best to avoid overtime and go for the win. The pass was intercepted.
Hoke defended the decision, ” We played the game to win.”
It was a gutsy call but in Michigan’s case, it was probably the right call. Fortune favors the bold, just not this time.
Gardner had an exceptional performance despite the loss. He passed for 451 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Buckeyes Coach Urban Meyer said, ” It was an instant classic.”
BCS implications- Ohio State may advance to the Vizio BCS National Championship
The journey is nearly over as Ohio State finished the regular season at 12-0. Only the Michigan State Spartans stand in the way.
The Buckeyes did not get any help from the Florida Gators as the Seminoles annihilated them 37-7.
However, the Auburn Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 34-28.
Ohio State will likely take over as the #2 team tomorrow when the new rankings are released. Auburn will be close behind just like Baylor was.
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