“The Game” had it all.
It featured thrilling touchdowns, controversial spots and heated moments worthy of one of the sports world’s greatest rivalries. But, while No. 2-ranked Ohio State got the last laugh Saturday in a thrilling 30-27 double-overtime victory over No. 3 Michigan, not everything went according to plan for the Buckeyes at home.
Ohio State was down by as many as 10 points in the third quarter, and Cameron Johnston’s failed fake punt from his own 20-yard line was a big reason why.
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer didn’t look very happy on the sideline afterward, but it sure sounds like it was something the Buckeyes were practicing for, based on what ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit said.
“(Meyer) told you (ESPN’s Chris Fowler) and I that there’s a look that they gave that no matter what happens at any point in the game — if they give him that look, he’s gonna call it,” Herbstreit said during the broadcast, via SB Nation. “I said, ‘What if you’re in your own 20-yard line, you still gonna call it?’ He said, ‘If they give us the look, I’m gonna call it.’ ”
Michigan made Ohio State pay for the foolish decision with a touchdown on the ensuing drive, although, in hindsight, it didn’t end up costing the Buckeyes.
Thumbnail photo via Greg Bartram/USA TODAY Sports Images
