Ohio State dropped its fourth straight matchup against archrival Michigan on Saturday, falling 13-10 at home to end their hopes of winning Big Ten title.
The Buckeyes were three-touchdown favorites against the 6-5 Wolverines, but Michigan’s defense stifled the OSU offense all afternoon, and with running back Kalel Mullings (32 carries, 116 yards, one touchdown) shouldering the load offensively, Michigan was able to pull out a victory despite posting only 62 passing yards and two interceptions.
After the game ended, Wolverine players attempted to plant the school flag at midfield, setting off an altercation between the two teams that led to police officers using pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
Former Ohio State star Beanie Wells, who went 3-0 against Michigan during his time with the Buckeyes from 2006-08, was one of many OSU fans who let their frustrations fly on social media during and after the loss. Wells also complained about the Ohio State players who waited until after the game to get physical.
“They had 60 min to fight in between the lines on the field. But wanna wait till after you get bullied smh,” Wells tweeted.
Yesterday’s win solidified Michigan’s first four-game win streak against the Buckeyes since 1988-91. It also marked four straight losses for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day against the Wolverines; as of now, Day appears to be safe for next year, but his seat has to be an inferno at this point.
“Everybody wants to win this game in the worst way, and nobody wants to win it more than we do. It’s our No. 1 goal every year,” Day said postgame.
“And so when you don’t do that, there’s disappointment and frustration. And so, I don’t blame anybody for being upset. I’m upset more than anybody. And those players are, too, and the coaches and everybody that goes at it. We know what we’re getting ourselves into here.”
Ohio State’s loss opened the door for Penn State to make the Big Ten Championship Game, where they will face Oregon in Indianapolis this coming Saturday night.
The Buckeyes will know if they’ve done enough to make the College Football Playoff when the 12-team bracket is unveiled next Sunday.
Related: Video Shows Cops Using Pepper Spray To Break Up Ohio State, Michigan Brawl