The snows fell in a frigid Michigan Stadium Saturday, but neither precipitation nor cold kept Ohio State from freeing itself from the demons of losing the last four years to the Wolverines. The Buckeyes controlled the pace and physicality of the game en route to a 27-9 win.

There was some trepidation for Ohio State fans after the first two drives of the contest. Michigan got the ball first and drove it to the OSU 30-yard line before the Buckeye defense stiffened. The Wolverines settled for a field goal.

Michigan then intercepted Julian Sayin’s second pass attempt of the game at the Ohio State 39-yard line. Again, the Buckeye defense rose up and held the Wolverines to a field goal. With 9:42 left in the first quarter, Michigan led 6-0.

After that, the Buckeyes took command, scoring a field goal and a touchdown before the end of the first half, while conceding another Michigan field goal. The score at the break was 17-9.

Ohio State sealed the victory with a dominant second half, scoring another 10 points while shutting out the Wolverines. Michigan had four possessions in the final 30 minutes and managed only two first downs, one by penalty, and 54 yards. The Maize and Blue’s last drive ended with an interception.

On the day, the Buckeyes posted 233 yards in the air and 186 yards on the ground. They amassed 419 yards of total offense, while holding Michigan to 163 yards. Ohio State more than doubled the game’s time of possession – 40:01 to 19:59.

Julian Sayin was 19-26 for 233 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Carnell Tate came back after leaving the Penn State game on Nov. 1 and had five catches for 82 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown reception. Jeremiah Smith had three grabs for 40 yards and a score.

Bo Jackson paced the running game with 117 yards on 22 carries. CJ Donaldson had 14 attempts for 44 yards, while Isaiah West added 20 yards on six tries.

Sonny Styles recorded six tackles, including a tackle for loss, to lead Ohio State defense. Jaylen McLain and Davison Igbinosun each had five stops with Igbinosun intercepting a pass to end Michigan’s final offensive possession. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. had two TFLs, including the game’s only sack.

The Buckeyes will now face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship Game next Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kickoff is slated for 8:00 p.m. All of the action will be broadcast on Fox.