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Report Card: Grading Michigan football in a 30-24 win over Ohio State

Chris Balasby:Chris Balas•11/25/23•

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Michigan running back Blake Corum (2) runs against Ohio State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023.

Grading Michigan football in all facets of a 30-24 victory over Ohio State, the Wolverines’ third straight in the series. The Wolverines got out to a big lead, saw OSU come back, and then pulled away late for a victory that clinched the Big Ten East title. The grades:

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Michigan rushing offense: B-

Michigan ran for 156 yards, and nearly half of them came on 5 plays. The Wolverines had two runs of 20 yards: a 22-yarder by senior running back Blake Corum for a touchdown and a 20-yarder for sophomore Alex Orji out of the wildcat formation. The yards were hard to come by, but the Wolverines picked up 77 in the third quarter and 45 in the fourth, taking valuable time off the clock. Corum’s 88 yards on 22 carries were hard-earned.

Passing offense: B+

The numbers were good — 16 of 20 for 148 yards and a touchdown for J.J. McCarthy. The junior got a huge game from sophomore tight end Colston Loveland (88 yards) and was fortunate on his one touchdown to senior receiver Roman Wilson. The pass buzzed an OSU defender’s helmet when he turned around in coverage instead of playing the ball. Coach Sherrone Moore was correct in saying they got a break there. But McCarthy was in command, and a 34-yard Donovan Edwards to Loveland pass helped the cause, as well.  

Michigan rushing defense: A-

The team that’s won the rushing battle has now captured 22 straight in this rivalry game. The Wolverines held OSU to 107 yards on 28 carries, and many of the good runs came on two drives. They held TreVeyon Henderson to 60 yards on 19 carries, and his long was only 8 yards. They were able to get to him before he got moving. Chip Trayanum enjoyed a solid game against the Wolverines for the second straight year, running for 37 yards on only 6 carries. 

Passing defense: B+

The Michigan defensive backs made two of the game’s biggest plays, a pick by sophomore Will Johnson that set up a touchdown and the game-clinching interception by junior safety Rod Moore. There were also some huge hits by grad Mike Sainrisitl and Quinten Johnson, the latter on a break-up. The Buckeyes receivers got their yards — Marvin Harrison Jr. posted 118 and a score, part of a 271-yard, 2-touchdown day for Kyle McCord — but overall, the pass defense was solid. 

Michigan special teams: A+

Kicker James Turner was the unsung hero with a 50-yard field goal in the third quarter, plus 37- and 38-yarders in the fourth. He was fantastic. Coverage teams were outstanding, and junior Tommy Doman dropped another punt inside the 5-yard line. Jake Thaw did a solid job fielding punts, including one on which his own guy ran into him. 

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