BOMBS AWAY FOR MICHIGAN
After Michigan beat Ohio State with stunning ease for the second consecutive year, Wolverines defensive lineman Cam Goode grabbed a huge maize and blue flag and rushed with teammates to the block “O” in the middle of the Ohio Stadium turf in Columbus.
They planted that flag and mugged for a bank of cameras.
Ohio State players leaving the field barely looked their way.
Again, Michigan was the best team in The Game, this time by a score of 45-23.
Behind career performances by J.J. McCarthy and Donovan Edwards, the No. 3 Wolverines (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) advance to the Big Ten championship next Saturday against Purdue, with hopes for a second consecutive playoff appearance firmly in their control.
As for the No. 2 Buckeyes (11-1, 8-1), they’ll have to hope they can back into the College Football Playoff after again crumbling in their most important game.
Coach Jim Harbaugh and Michigan snapped an eight-game losing streak against their fiercest rivals last year with a cathartic 42-27 victory in the Big House. Now they have a two-game winning streak in The Game for the first time in 22 years.
“Could not be more proud,” Harbaugh said. “Knew the team was focused and determined, as they have been all season. This is a locker room of heroes.”
Maybe the biggest hero was McCarthy, who threw three touchdown passes, ran for a score and didn’t commit a turnover. Edwards busted the game open with two long fourth-quarter touchdown runs as Michigan beat Ohio State in Columbus for the first time since 2000.
McCarthy’s previous longest completion this season was 42 yards, but against the Buckeyes, he threw three touchdown passes of at least 45 yards, the most scoring passes of 45 or more in the history of the 105-game series. He connected on touchdowns of 69 and 75 yards to Cornelius Johnson in the first half, then hooked up with Colston Loveland in the second half for 45 yards and the freshman tight end’s first career TD reception.
Purdue 30, Indiana 16
Aidan O’Connell threw two touchdown passes and Devin Mockobee ran for another to help the Boilermakers (8-4, 6-3) beat the host Hoosiers (4-8, 2-7) and clinch their first West Division title.
Purdue won its fourth Old Oaken Bucket in five games and produced its first back-to-back eight-win seasons since 1997-98.
Minnesota 23, Wisconsin 16
Athan Kaliakmanis connected with Le’Meke Brockington on a tiebreaking 45-yard touchdown with 3:40 remaining, and the visiting Gophers (8-4, 5-4) hung on in the final minute to beat the Badgers (6-6, 4-5). Minnesota retained possession of Paul Bunyan’s Axe.
Maryland 37, Rutgers 0
Taulia Tagovailoa battled through knee problems to pass for over 300 yards and a touchdown, not that the host Terrapins (7-5, 4-5) needed a big offensive showing against the Scarlet Knights (4-8, 1-8). Maryland held Rutgers to seven first downs.
Penn State 35, Michigan St. 16
Sean Clifford threw four touchdown passes and the No. 11 Nittany Lions (10-2, 6-2) tightened up their defense to dump the Spartans (5-7, 3-6). Penn State evened the all-time series with the Michigan State at 18-18-1.
Huskers hand reins to Rhule
After six consecutive losing seasons, Nebraska has turned to Matt Rhule, 47, to rebuild its program. He signed an eight-year contract.