Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s narrow 10-13 loss to Michigan marked a devastating fourth consecutive defeat to their archrival under head coach Ryan Day. Despite the tight scoreline, the game highlighted significant shortcomings on both sides of the ball, with the offense drawing heavy criticism while the defense salvaged some praise. Here’s a breakdown of the Buckeyes’ performance, as dissected by The OHIO Podcast hosts Chris Wilds, Cory Thompson, and Eric Boggs.
Offensive Grade: F
The Buckeyes’ offense struggled to find any rhythm, and the numbers tell the story:
- 252 total yards of offense (175 passing, 77 rushing)
- A meager 4.3 yards per play
- Only 16 first downs
- An underwhelming 6 of 16 on third down and 1 of 2 on fourth down
- Two costly turnovers
The offensive line was porous, the play-calling uninspired, and quarterback Will Howard, while displaying heart and determination, was not set up for success. “This was play calling,” said Wilds, reflecting the consensus that the offensive coaching staff failed to prepare and adapt.
Howard’s toughness was evident after a controversial hit—ruled clean despite whispers of targeting—sidelined him briefly. But when he returned, the moment many hoped would be his “Justin Fields moment” of redemption fell flat.
Criticism extended to the coaching staff, with the hosts pointing to poor situational awareness and lack of effective adjustments. “They didn’t show up for the test,” remarked Thompson. “I blame the coaches more than the players.”
Defensive Grade: A
While the offense sputtered, the defense shone brightly, keeping the Buckeyes competitive despite being left in precarious positions throughout the game.
- Allowed 62 passing yards and 172 rushing yards (over 50 of which came on just two plays)
- Gave up only 4.0 yards per play
- Limited Michigan to 13 first downs
- Held Michigan to 7 of 14 on third down and 0 of 1 on fourth down
- Forced two turnovers
The defensive unit, led by coordinator Jim Knowles and a strong staff including Larry Johnson and James Laurinaitis, was lauded for its preparation and execution. Despite their efforts, they were undermined by an offense that couldn’t capitalize on opportunities.
“They essentially allowed three points,” argued Boggs, pointing out that Michigan’s lone touchdown came after a turnover left the Wolverines just a few yards from the end zone. The defensive resilience was evident in a goal-line stand that briefly inspired hope before the offense squandered the ensuing possession.
However, fatigue set in as the game wore on, with the defense eventually yielding some critical rushing yards late in the game. This was attributed to the offense’s inability to sustain drives, leaving the defense on the field for 33 minutes and 35 seconds.
Key Takeaway
Ohio State’s defense proved its mettle, standing tall against a Michigan team known for its physicality. But football is a complementary game, and the offense’s ineptitude sealed the Buckeyes’ fate.
Ryan Day and the offensive staff face mounting scrutiny after another loss to Michigan, with questions about their play-calling and game management at the forefront. Meanwhile, the defensive staff deserves credit for keeping the game within reach, but even their best efforts couldn’t compensate for the offense’s failures.
As the Buckeyes look ahead, the program must find answers on offense and reclaim the physical edge that has historically defined this rivalry. For now, the scars of a fourth consecutive defeat to Michigan linger, a bitter reminder of what could have been.
