Julian Sayin and Ryan Day highlight a five-star quarterback disparity between Ohio State and Michigan during The Game.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin misread the defensive scheme concerning star receiver Jeremiah Smith on his second throw against Michigan.

Jyaire Hill, a cornerback, anticipated the pass and secured an interception, momentarily bringing back unpleasant recollections from the past four contests of The Game. This included the surprising 13-10 defeat at Ohio Stadium on November 30, 2024. Sayin, who hails from Carlsbad, California, might have succumbed to that challenging weather condition as snow gently fell upon Michigan Stadium on Saturday. However, he conveyed a different sentiment to his teammates on the sideline.

"We put our defense in a really bad spot with that interception and they ended up forcing three," Sayin said afterward. "I think it was just, 'No panic.'" 

Sayin – who completed 19 of 26 passes for 233 yards, three touchdowns, and that single interception – performed as he has throughout the season for the top-ranked Ohio State in a 27-9 victory against No. 15 Michigan. The Buckeyes (12-0, 9-0) broke their four-game losing streak against the Wolverines (9-3, 7-2). Ohio State's coach, Ryan Day, who placed his confidence in his five-star quarterback for the most crucial game of the regular season, quieted any lingering doubters.

Now, a fresh inquiry arises following Ohio State's reassertion of dominance in the rivalry: "When will Michigan do the same with its five-star quarterback?" 

The intense anticipation surrounding the contest centered on Day, whose defensive strategy directly resulted in the previous year's unexpected victory. Currently, this responsibility rests with Michigan's head coach Sherrone Moore – who can no longer rely on the lingering influence of the Jim Harbaugh tenure in Ann Arbor. 

Day leveraged his offensive capabilities. Sayin, whose Heisman Trophy bid is built on precision and effectiveness, appeared ready with the comeback of Smith and Carnell Tate; wideouts who had been dealing with Persistent November ailments. This isn't solely about vindication for Day. It serves as an indication that The Game might shift back towards the Buckeyes' advantage – a situation that has prevailed for the majority of the 21st century.

Ohio State has now achieved 16 consecutive victories and is advancing towards a second consecutive national championship. The issue with Michigan has been resolved. 

"There is no question with the fans and all of our supporters, what this means, means a lot to us," Day said. "That's what hurt the last couple of years more than anything. You could see it in my face the last couple years. You just feel like you're letting everyone down. That's not a good feeling."

Julian Sayin's touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith secured victory in The Game. 

The Wolverines held a 6-3 advantage following the initial quarter. During this period, the Buckeyes were limited to a 24-yard field goal from Jayden Fielding at the 4:33 point after Ohio State failed to find the end zone on six attempts from the 2-yard line. 

Everything shifted following a bold decision. Ohio State opted to attempt a conversion on fourth-and-5 from Michigan's 35-yard line. Smith outmaneuvered cornerback Zeke Berry with a double move and outran Brandyn Hillman to the end zone for a 35-yard touchdown, giving them a 10-6 advantage with 11:44 remaining in the first half. Day made this choice even though Smith had minimal practice repetitions this week. 

"The throw that Julian made on that ball was tremendous, but that was a play we had walked through if the right situation called for it — the right moment — you just never know what type of situation you're going to get in games," Day said. "You have to have a lot of options."

Sayin connected for a second touchdown pass with 16 seconds remaining in the first half to Brandon Inniss. Ohio State held a 17-9 advantage at the break. In the initial half, Sayin completed 6 of 6 passes for 68 yards and threw two touchdowns on third and fourth down situations. 

MORE: Julian Sayin lights up Wolverines after early interception

Sayin connected with Tate on a 50-yard touchdown pass with 7:35 remaining in the third quarter, pushing the advantage to 24-9. This score effectively ended any hopes of another upset. By then, Sayin was engaged in a separate discussion on the sidelines. 

"It was funny — around the second or third quarter — I was looking all around and seeing all the snow coming down," Sayin said. "I think I told some teammates, 'This is pretty cool. This is pretty fun." 

On a TV timeout with 5:08 left in the third quarter, Brutus Buckeye drew a "Script Ohio" with his feet in the snow. Freshman Bo Jackson, who had 22 carries for 117 yards, helped the Buckeyes win the rushing battle 186-100, and Ohio State's defense did not allow a touchdown. Michigan had zero sacks. 

It was the best of both worlds. The Buckeyes won up front and on the scoreboard. 

This arrangement leads to a Big Ten championship contest versus the second-ranked Indiana Hoosiers (12-0, 9-0), who boast a Heisman Trophy contender in Fernando Mendoza, exhibiting similar attributes. That particular matchup is anticipated to be far more closely contested than The Game. 

Which swings the pressure back to Michigan. 

MORE: Full schedule of all conference championship games

Bryce Underwood, Michigan's offense at a pivotal moment 

Underwood generated significant excitement following the initial player introductions. He jogged along the sideline, nodding his head and energizing his fellow players. 

Subsequently, the highly-touted freshman quarterback only threw five passes during the initial half. Michigan's running back, Jordan Marshall, competed despite physical ailments, yet the defeat highlighted the disparity in wide-ranging offensive talent separating the Wolverines from The Buckeyes. Michigan can no longer rely solely on a ground-and-pound strategy to overcome Ohio State, and this will present a significant hurdle for Moore. 

Underwood's first completion exceeding 20 yards was a 26-yard pass to Donaven McCulley with 10:07 remaining in the third quarter. While the Buckeyes boast numerous five-star wideouts, last year's defeat obscured the reality that the Wolverines lack the aerial offense required for Underwood to thrive in any conditions, especially snow. Their defeats against No. 8 Oklahoma, No. 7 USC, and No. 1 Ohio State demonstrated that they can't postpone attempting their passing game until they're down by ten points in the latter half. 

Against a defense coordinated by Ohio State's Matt Patricia, Underwood completed 8 of 18 passes for 63 yards and threw one interception.

"Coverage-wise they did some things to re-route the receivers," Moore said. "We just didn't get a rhythm. We didn't protect well enough to get the guys open. It's a team effort. There's no blame." 

This indicates that Moore along with offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey must utilize the transfer portal to find wide receivers and reconsider the team's offensive strategy centered on Underwood for the upcoming two seasons. This is because Day, Sayin, and Smith are slated to return for another year in 2026, and the Ohio State program continues to function at a high level. 

The successful period under Harbaugh has concluded. Michigan won't be participating in the 12-team College Football Playoff for a second consecutive year, and the ability to taunt opponents is suspended for 364 days. What's next for The Wolverines under Underwood's leadership? 

"I just want him to feel the feeling that he feels right now," Moore said. "That's the biggest thing. That will motivate him enough to be as good as he can be." 

Ryan Day achieves vindication versus Michigan 

The Buckeyes dominated the Wolverines with an 81-yard drive spanning 20 plays, concluding between the third and fourth quarters, which set the stage for the eagerly awaited post-game spectacles. Michigan players guarded the "M" at midfield. This year saw no flag planting, primarily because Day advised against it. 

"I've thought as you can imagine over the years after winning this game what I'd say in this press conference," Day said. "I'm going to save all those comments because I think the best thing to do is win with humility and that's what we're going to do." 

Perhaps that's due to Ohio State being beyond such concerns. Indiana awaits them next week, followed by another push toward the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes possess a genuine opportunity to secure consecutive national titles, which would further distinguish Day. 

Ohio State defensive end Caden Curry was questioned about whether Sayin ought to be considered the leading candidate for The Heisman Trophy, and his reply was entirely appropriate. 

"Well, duh," Curry said. "He's just such a great player. Such a smart player. He knows how to win, and I feel like there's not much more. You have just got to continue to do it."