ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WLIO) — Ohio State delivered a dominant second-half performance in "The Game," defeating Michigan 27-9 at Michigan Stadium.

Entering rivalry week, the storyline was loud and clear — the Buckeyes had not beaten Michigan since 2019, and head coach Ryan Day carried a 1-4 record against the Wolverines. With College Football Playoff goals and a Big Ten Championship appearance at stake, Ohio State responded with championship poise.

Michigan (9-2) jumped out to a 6-0 first-quarter lead before Ohio State got on the board with a 24-yard field goal from Jayden Fielding, cutting the margin to 6-3.

Quarterback Julian Sayin ignited the offense in the second quarter, leading a 10-play, 63-yard drive capped by a 35-yard strike to birthday-boy receiver Jeremiah Smith. The touchdown gave Ohio State a 10-6 advantage.

Sayin struck again later in the half, connecting with Brandon Inniss from four yards out to push the lead to 17-9 heading into the break.

With snow swirling inside "The Big House" on the first drive of the second half, Sayin launched a 50-yard touchdown to Carnell Tate, breaking the game open at 24-9.

Fielding added another field goal — this time from 23 yards — extending the Buckeye lead to 27-9 in the fourth quarter.

Ohio State’s defense slammed the door late when Davison Igbinosun intercepted Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood on a fourth-down attempt, halting any hope of a Wolverine comeback.

The No. 1 Buckeyes finish the regular season a perfect 12-0 and advance to the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis, where they will play for a conference title and continued postseason positioning.

Michigan’s regular season concludes at 9-3 as Ohio State reclaims control of the rivalry in convincing fashion.

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