The implications of Michigan Football win over Ohio State

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Nov 26, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Ronnie Bell (8) makes a reception in front of Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Cameron Brown (26) in the first half at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Michigan football

made all of the key plays.

Rivalry games are all about making plays. It seemed as if Ohio State could move the ball from 20 to 20 and then their drives would stall. CJ Stroud was efficient but missed key throws when the Buckeyes needed them. Marvin Harrison, Jr. had his first two drops of the season in this game. On the other hand, the Wolverines made all of the key plays.

Mike Sainristil who was a wide receiver last season, seemed to be all over the field. The box score says he had two passes defended, but it seemed like he had his hand in every key third-down play all game long. He and defensive back Rod Moore were excellent in coverage all game long. Anytime Ohio State needed a throw on third down, either Sainristill or Moore broke it up.

Offensively, J.J. McCarthy made key play after key play. After the Illinois game, there was no evidence that he would make the plays he made this afternoon. McCarthy missed so many easy throws against the Illini that the doubts were legitimate.

That said, McCarthy silenced the doubters today and kept the Ohio State defense at bay until the running game got going in the second half to put the game away.

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