COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State senior Jack Sawyer and several teammates were eager to retaliate against Michigan after the Wolverines planted their flag on Ohio State’s midfield logo for the second time in four years, following their 13-10 victory.
However, their actions after the game don’t appear as honorable as they might think.
As Michigan running back Kalel Mullings put it: “We had 60 minutes to fight on the field.”
For Buckeye fans, fighting afterward might seem like a way to defend their home turf. No one wants to let a rival disrespect The Horseshoe, right?
But from a more objective perspective, the postgame outburst from Ohio State demonstrated the deeper issue that’s been plaguing them in this rivalry — and it’s not just about toughness.
The problem goes beyond Ohio State’s recent inability to beat Michigan in the trenches or to execute an effective game plan. It’s not about talent, either, as the Buckeyes have often had the superior roster, yet haven’t won in four years.
In my view, the issue lies deep within Ohio State’s psyche, beyond the playbooks and game plans. It’s about the mental toll Michigan has taken on Ohio State.
Michigan’s presence in Ohio State’s mind is nothing new — it’s actually expected. Coach Ryan Day and others will say that they’re always thinking about Michigan. The issue is how that mentality manifests. Michigan has learned to stay focused on their rivalry, adjusting their game plans, like they did with a well-executed pass play on Saturday.
For Ohio State, it’s more about the pain Michigan has caused: stolen signs, disrespect, and painful defeats over the past few seasons. Since Michigan turned the rivalry around in 2021, Ohio State has been trying to prove its toughness, mostly by trying to run the ball and showing anger, which has rarely worked.
The Buckeyes came into this game looking big and strong, ready to assert their dominance, but despite running the ball and throwing punches after the game, Michigan outplayed them, limiting Ohio State to just 76 rushing yards and absorbing their postgame anger.
Final score: Michigan 13, and Ohio State 10, along with the guilt of being sore losers.
I’m sure some fans will argue that Michigan instigated the postgame altercation by planting the flag, but the truth is, Ohio State’s constant focus on proving their toughness hasn’t worked. In fact, it’s been counterproductive.
Michigan’s success, like the previous three wins, isn’t just about power or anger. It’s about composure, discipline, and controlled motivation — qualities that Ohio State is missing. Michigan earned their celebration on Saturday for the same reason Ohio State reacted the way they did.
As Michigan quarterback Davis Warren said, “We talked about it all week, being disciplined and letting our play do the talking. We did a great job of that as a team. You should have done something about it during the game.”
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