Dominance and a return to normalcy, indeed.
After four years of losing in The Game, things returned to normal in Ann Arbor on Saturday, as Ohio State dominated Michigan for the Buckeyes' first win in the matchup since 2019.
Even in the snow, OSU dominated on both sides of the ball, especially in the second half, on its way to beating its archrival.
Let's take a look at some Proof Points from Ohio State's win over Michigan to advance to 12-0 on the season:
26 for 166
If Bo Jackson wasn't a nationally known name already, he is now, even if he didn't get in the end zone Saturday afternoon.
The freshman had 22 carries for 117 yards and also four catches for 49 yards. In total, Jackson finished with more yards (166) than Michigan's total offense (163).
Jackson showcased every single area of his game against Michigan, the type of legendary performance that few freshmen have achieved in The Game.
In total, Ohio State had 47 carries for 186 yards and two touchdowns, as the Buckeyes dominated on the ground, especially in the second half. Michigan's offense only had the ball for 6:20 (of a possible 30 minutes, mind you) in the second half.
233 and 3
Even after throwing an interception on his second pass attempt of the game, Julian Sayin was exceptional the rest of the way.
The quarterback completed 19 of 26 passes for 233 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Sayin completed six of nine throws for 110 yards and a touchdown in the second half, helping seal the win for Ohio State.
The redshirt freshman played more like a seasoned veteran and upperclassman even after the early turnover, showcasing, yet again, that he should not only be a Heisman contender, but win the trophy at season's end.
9 For 163
Another game, another dominant performance by the Silver Bullets.
Even after being put in a tough spot early in the game, Ohio State's defense only allowed nine points – three field goals – and just 163 total yards. After Michigan's offense had 85 yards in the first quarter, the Wolverines had only 39 total yards in the second half, including -8 yards in the fourth quarter.
Much like the Buckeyes as a whole, OSU's defense got stronger as the game went on (and the snow came in).
The dominant performance was capped by an interception by Davison Igbinosun late in the game.
(Top photo: © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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