Michigan clinches Big Ten East title with rivalry win over Ohio State

Michigan had plenty of momentum coming into this season following its first win over Ohio State in 10 years. The Wolverines, however, had to bounce back with multiple key losses on defense while also addressing questions at the quarterback position to start the year.

They succeeded, and it culminated with another victory over the Buckeyes on Saturday — and, with it, another Big Ten East title.

Michigan went into The Horseshoe in Columbus on Saturday and stunned the No. 2-ranked Buckeyes for its second straight win in The Game thanks to huge games from quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Donovan Edwards. It’s the first time the Wolverines have won back-to-back games against Ohio State since 1999 and 2000, and they punched their ticket to the Big Ten Championship once again. That matchup in 2000 was also the last time Michigan won in Columbus before Saturday.

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Even after the loss of Blake Corum due to injury, McCarthy jump-started the Michigan offense with a monster day under center. He got it done with both his arm and his legs, accounting for four touchdowns for the Wolverines — three in the air and one on the ground. He finished the day completing 12 of 24 passes for 263 yards in addition to those three passing touchdowns to help his team to the huge rivalry victory.

Edwards proved to be a worthy replacement for Corum and likely cemented himself as the program’s running back of the future with 214 yards and two touchdowns.

Michigan will take on Purdue, which knocked off Indiana Saturday afternoon, next week in Indianapolis. It’ll be the Boilermakers’ first trip to the conference title game, and the Wolverines will try to play spoi.er

The Big Ten Championship is coming up Dec. 3 from Lucas Oil Stadium.