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The Michigan Wolverines have done it again, beating Ohio State for the fourth consecutive year. The key to their success? Dominating the fourth quarter. This trend has defined the rivalry since 2021, and it’s worth a deep dive to understand how Michigan has managed to consistently outlast the Buckeyes.
How Michigan Has Done It
Michigan’s dominance in the 4th quarter has been the cornerstone of their recent success against Ohio State. The Wolverines’ strategy is simple but brutally effective: wear down their opponent with physicality, control the clock, and impose their will in the trenches when it matters most. Here’s a breakdown of the 4th-quarter data from the last four games:
Time of Possession (TOP): Michigan has averaged 9:45 of 4th-quarter possession time per game, compared to Ohio State’s 5:14. This near 2-to-1 advantage reflects Michigan’s ability to sustain drives and keep the ball out of Ohio State’s hands.
Rushing Attempts and Yards: The Wolverines have averaged nearly 15 rushing attempts and 98 yards in the 4th quarter, compared to Ohio State’s meager 4 attempts and 8 yards. Over the four games, Michigan has outgained Ohio State 394 to 32 total rushing yards in the final quarter.
Yards After Contact (YAContact): Michigan has also dominated in yards after contact, amassing 176 total yards, an average of 44 per game. This highlights their physical edge and ability to break tackles late in games.
1st Downs and Execution: Michigan’s 4th-quarter rushing attack has produced 17 first downs, keeping drives alive and wearing down Ohio State’s defense.
The story of the rivalry is written in these numbers. Michigan’s 4th-quarter performances are where they have taken control, playing a “bend but don’t break” style on defense and suffocating the Buckeyes with their ground game.
Why Ohio State Has Struggled
The narrative surrounding Ohio State’s recent struggles against Michigan isn’t about talent. In fact, Ohio State has had the more talented roster on paper in each of the last four years. The issue lies in development, strength and conditioning, and the mental approach to this rivalry.
Ohio State has struggled to win at the line of scrimmage, particularly late in games. Their inability to establish a consistent ground game has been glaring. Over four years, Ohio State has averaged just 1.9 yards per carry in the 4th quarter, compared to Michigan’s 6.7 yards per carry. This disparity underscores Michigan’s physical dominance and Ohio State’s failure to match it.
What About Ryan Day?
There’s plenty of speculation about Ryan Day’s future as Ohio State’s head coach, but here’s the reality: a coaching change is unlikely unless the Buckeyes falter early in the College Football Playoff. Reports suggest that Ohio State’s administration is hesitant to pay Day’s buyout, preferring to allocate resources to NIL initiatives.
Instead of a head coaching change, Ohio State is more likely to reevaluate their strength and conditioning program and their internal scouting and analytics. These areas will be critical if they hope to close the gap with Michigan and regain control of the rivalry.
Where Does Ohio State Go From Here?
Despite their recent struggles, Ohio State still boasts one of the most talented rosters in college football. With time to regroup and address injuries along the offensive line, the Buckeyes have the potential to make a deep playoff run and even win the national championship. However, long-term success in this rivalry will require structural changes, particularly in their approach to strength and conditioning and player development.
Final Thoughts
Michigan’s recent success against Ohio State boils down to their ability to dominate the 4th quarter. They control the clock, execute in the run game, and physically wear down their opponent. This formula has been the difference over the last four years, and if Ohio State hopes to flip the script, they’ll need to match Michigan’s physicality and address their shortcomings in the trenches.
Let us know your thoughts. Can Ohio State turn things around? Should they keep Ryan Day if they don’t reach the national title game? Leave your comments below and be sure to like this article, subscribe to our channel, and stay tuned for more great content.