Michigan versus Ohio State is one of the biggest rivalries in sports. This year, both Michigan and Ohio State were ranked in the top 3, elevating an already important game into an entirely new stratosphere. Ohio State prevailed in this classic smash-mouth game of football. Some of the key factors were: 2 missed field goals by Ohio State’s kicker Tyler Durbin, 3 turnovers by Michigan’s quarterback, and Michigan’s inability to move the ball in the 4th quarter. Tyler Durbin missed two short field goals that may have halted Ohio State’s momentum, but Michigan’s quarterback cost Michigan 21 points off of turnovers. Michigan was leading at the start of the 4th quarter, but failed to gain a single first down the entire quarter, thus letting Ohio State tie the game and force overtime. On a 4th down play in overtime, the referees called it a first down on the field on a very close call that could have gone either way. The referees reviewed it in the booth, but could not find enough evidence to overturn it. On the ensuing play, Curtis Samuel, Ohio State’s running back, walked into the end zone, giving Ohio State the victory.
There has been much controversy over the officiating in this game. Two of the referees reside in the state of Ohio, and the head referee was fired in 2002 for poor officiating. The bottom-line is that Michigan dominated Ohio State through 3 quarters, and easily could have won the game, if the ball was not turned over as often as it was, but the officiating was one-sided. Then again, the referees did not force Michigan into unnecessary turnovers. On Tuesday November 29th, 3 days after “The Game,” the College Football Playoff rankings came out. Alabama was ranked number 1, Ohio State 2, Clemson 3, Washington 4, and Michigan 5. Ohio State is almost guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, because they are not playing this weekend, meaning their record will stay the same. Michigan however, will need either Washington or Clemson to lose this weekend, preferably Washington. There are 2 things combined that are holding Michigan back, a combination of not winning a conference title, and having two losses. If Washington loses, they will not have a conference title either, leaving the decision to be between a title-less and 2 loss Washington team, or a title-less and 2 loss Michigan team.