No. 2 Ohio State Outlasts Fourth Ranked Michigan in Double Overtime

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Michigan Wolverines 30-27 in double-overtime in one of college football’s oldest rivalries.

The beginning of the game was dominated by Michigan’s defense, as Ohio State nearly finished the third quarter trailing 17-7. However, a touchdown run by Ohio State’s Mike Weber cut the lead to just three points.

Turnovers by Michigan allowed the Buckeyes to stay in the game. Near the end of regulation, Ohio State’s kicker Tyler Durbin, who missed two field goals on the day, drilled a 23-yard score to tie the game with one second on the game clock.

Teams exchanged touchdowns in the first overtime period, then Michigan kicked a field goal to start the second overtime. Running back Curtis Samuel responded to Michigan’s field goal with a touchdown, securing the 30-27 victory.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was heavily criticized of the officiating. He pointed to the converted fourth-and-one by Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett in the second overtime. Harbaugh called that play and others “outrageous.”

The top four teams in the nation make it to the playoff round of the post-season to compete for the National Championship. Michigan’s College Football Playoff hopes were dashed with the loss.

Ohio State can still make the playoff, but would have to finish in the top four national rankings without playing in the Big Ten Championship Game. Penn State will face Wisconsin in the league’s championship game next week.

Should Ohio State earn a spot in the College Football Playoffs, they would become the first non-champion to make the playoff field.

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