Moments after the game, the Buckeyes players ran to one end zone to celebrate with their Ohio State fans in attendance. Meanwhile, Michigan players gathered around the midfield “M” to prevent the Buckeyes from planting their flag on the home field—a move Michigan had done last season after a win—leading to a brief brawl between the sidelines.

Smith has a 9-15 record in two seasons – not counting wins vacated over a three-year span due to NCAA violations under former coach Mel Tucker. Speculation about his job security has swirled for more than a month and Michigan State would be on the hook for more than $30 million to buy out a seven-year deal signed in November 2023.

Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after making contact with a referee during the heated Ohio State–Michigan rivalry.

MHSAA football playoff game scores, updates, schedule from the state finals in 2025 Michigan high school football tournament at Ford Field in Detroit.

Ohio State ended its four-game skid against Michigan with a dominant win at the Big House, reclaiming rivalry glory and setting up a Big Ten title clash with Indiana.

But until Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia saved Day’s gold pants seat during Saturday’s 27-9 win over Michigan, nobody used a tool that predates the rivalry: A No. 2 pencil.