ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- It all felt so familiar.

Ohio State was down by just three, but faced with fourth-and-5 in Michigan territory. The Buckeyes had been sloppy in the first five minutes of the game, and the Wolverines had controlled the flow of play as they took an early lead.

And, most importantly, a team that hadn’t had any breaks go its way for years began Saturday’s matchup by being on the wrong end of some more.

But rather than attempt a 50-plus yard field goal, Ohio State went for it. Rather than try to get six yards when it needed five, the Buckeyes went for an uppercut punch.

And for the first time in The Game since 2019, Ohio State had a momentum swinging play that stuck for the duration when quarterback Julian Sayin connected with receiver Jeremiah Smith for a 35-yard touchdo

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