It’s even easier than usual for Buckeyes
Haskins leads Ohio State to record-setting romp that ruins Michigan’s CFP hopes.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — After a most unusual regular season for Ohio State, it was business as usual against Michigan.
Dwayne Haskins threw five touchdown passes, freshman Chris Olave had a breakout performance and No. 10 Ohio State continued its mastery over No. 4 Michigan with a record-setting 6239 victory Saturday that sends the Buckeyes to the Big Ten championship game.
The Wolverines were two victories away from their first conference championship since 2004 and a trip to the College Football Playoff, facing an Ohio State team that has looked discombobulated on defense and one-dimensional on offense much of the season. Looking to stop a six-game losing streak against the Buckeyes (11-1, 8-1) and get coach Jim Harbaugh his first victory in four tries in the rivalry, the Wolverines (10-2, 8-1) wilted.
In their 115th meeting, Ohio State scored more points than it ever had against Michigan — more points than any team has ever scored in regulation against Michigan.
And now, despite all the dysfunction at Ohio State this season — on and off the field — the Buckeyes will face No. 20 Northwestern next weekend in Indianapolis with a chance to repeat as Big Ten champions and maybe even squeeze into the playoff.
“I think we definitely showed the country the Ohio State Buckeyes are still here,” offensive tackle Isaiah Prince said.
Maybe most satisfying of all, Ohio State made it 14 victories in the last 15 meetings against the team it loves to beat the most.
“This is not an ordinary game,” Buckeyes defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones said. “This is a game that’s got years and miles behind.”
Olave, who came into the game with five catches and no touchdowns, caught two scoring passes in the first half and broke it open on special teams in the third quarter. His blocked punt turned into a 33-yard touchdown by Sevyn Banks that made it 34-19 and sent the Ohio Stadium crown into a frenzy.