The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1488967
Michigan stayed on the right side of its rivalry with Ohio State on Nov. 26, dismantling the Buckeyes by a score of 45-23 in Columbus, marking the program's first win there since 2000. The Wolverines were able to do it in a different way than last year's wire-to-wire domination, beating OSU at its own game of generating explosive plays. U-M scored touchdowns of 69, 75, 45, 4, 75 and 85 yards in the win over OSU. Senior wideout Cornelius Johnson had 4 catches for 160 yards and the first 2 touchdowns of the game to light the spark for the Wol- verines. Sophomore running back Donovan Edwards had 22 carries for 216 yards and touchdown runs of 75 and 85 yards to close the game out. Michigan's offensive explosiveness came into question throughout the year, but U-M saved the best for its rival. "We knew that we could make those kinds of plays," head coach Jim Harbaugh said after the game. "[Cornelius Johnson] really got us started with the catch and then broke the tackle [for the 69-yard touchdown]. The very next time we came back, one play, 75-yard touchdown. "And we never got away from the running game. One good thing about the running game is it can wear on you, and it's usually better as the game goes on. And love Donovan Edwards, man. When he gets free, don't even think about it. It's going to be a touchdown. Great to see those 75- and 85-yard runs. Those were huge events." The Buckeyes appeared to have U-M on the ropes in the first half, but the Wolverines stayed in the fight and ultimately landed a knockout blow en route to another Big Ten title and trip to the College Football Playoff. "We had a full game plan ready for them," sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy said. "We're the best second- half team in the country. We prove it every single week. It was just great to go out there and do it again." — Anthony Broome PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL THE BIG PICTURE MICHIGAN UNLEASHES BIG PLAYS IN ROUT OF BUCKEYES