The 2016 version of “The Game” was one that sports fans won’t soon forget.
No. 2-ranked Ohio State overcame a double-digit deficit Saturday and beat archrival Michigan 30-27 in double overtime in Columbus.
Curtis Samuel’s electrifying 15-yard touchdown run in the second overtime clinched the win after No. 3 Michigan started the frame with a field goal.
However, that play only came after a controversial spot on a fourth-down run by Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett. He was awarded a first down, and the call was upheld by review, but it certainly was close.
Ohio State (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) scored 10 unanswered points in the second half on Mike Weber’s 1-yard touchdown run and then Tyler Durbin’s 23-yard field goal with only one second remaining to force overtime. The kick served as redemption for Durbin after he missed two field-goal attempts earlier in the game.
The Buckeyes carried that momentum to extra time with a two-play touchdown drive, but an incredible throw-and-catch from Michigan’s Wilton Speight to Amara Darboh on fourth-and-goal extended the game.
The Wolverines (10-2, 7-2) dominated early, although they never pulled away on the scoreboard. Michigan got out to a 17-7 lead on a Kenny Allen 28-yard field goal, a Khalid Hill 1-yard TD run and an 8-yard TD pass from Speight to Hill. OSU’s lone touchdown during that stretch came on a Malik Hooker interception return, and another Speight pick led to the Buckeyes’ second touchdown of the game.
Speight completed 23 of 36 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. Barrett had just 124 passing yards with zero touchdowns and one pick, but he had 125 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Thumbnail photo via Greg Bartram/USA TODAY Sports Images
