Upon Further Review: Ohio State Finally Beats Michigan, But Red Zone Efficiency Still a Lingering Concern
For the first time in four years, Ohio State finally got the win it’s been chasing - and it came in the most satisfying way possible: a 27-9 victory over Michigan in the Big House. This wasn’t just a rivalry win; it was a statement. The Buckeyes didn’t just beat the Wolverines - they controlled the game on both sides of the ball and put to rest a narrative that had haunted Ryan Day’s tenure in Columbus.
Still, as impressive and cathartic as this win was for Buckeye Nation, it could’ve been even more lopsided. Ohio State left points on the field, particularly in the red zone - a recurring theme throughout the season that continues to raise eyebrows as the postseason looms.
Red Zone: Still a Work in Progress
Let’s start with the numbers. Ohio State has converted on 90.32% of its red zone trips this season - that’s good for No. 30 nationally and No. 8 in the Big Ten.
On paper, that sounds solid. But dig a little deeper, and the picture gets murkier.
Of those red zone opportunities, only 69.35% have ended in touchdowns. The rest?
Thirteen field goals, plus a few costly mistakes.
Against Michigan, the Buckeyes made three trips inside the Wolverines’ 10-yard line. The result: two field goals and one touchdown. That’s not a recipe you want to rely on when the stakes get higher and the opponents get tougher.
And while it didn’t cost them against Michigan - thanks in large part to a dominant defensive performance and a steady offensive rhythm - it’s the kind of inefficiency that can come back to bite you in a playoff setting.
What’s Behind the Red Zone Struggles?
Ohio State has tried just about everything to fix this. They’ve rotated running backs, mixed in the backup quarterback, and shifted between power and finesse looks.
At times, it’s worked. Other times, it’s looked disjointed - like a team still searching for its identity once the field shrinks and the margin for error disappears.
The Buckeyes have reached the opponent’s 10-yard line 37 times this season, and they’ve punched it in for a touchdown 29 times. That’s a respectable clip, but not elite - especially for a program with national title aspirations.
Four of those trips have ended in field goals, and two ended in turnovers (one fumble, one interception). Those are the kinds of red zone lapses that can flip a game in the postseason.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
Ohio State’s next stop is the Big Ten Championship Game against Indiana, followed by a trip to the College Football Playoff. The margin for error shrinks in December. Field goals instead of touchdowns can be the difference between moving on and going home.
The defense has been lights-out, and the offense has shown it can move the ball against anyone. But when the field gets tight and the pressure ramps up, the Buckeyes need to be more clinical. Settling for three instead of seven won’t cut it against the likes of Georgia, Alabama, or even a red-hot Pac-12 champion.
The Bottom Line
Ohio State finally got over the Michigan hump, and that’s no small feat. It was a physical, composed performance in a game that’s defined seasons and legacies. But if the Buckeyes want to keep this run going deep into the postseason, they’ll need to finish drives with touchdowns, not field goals.
The good news? They’ve got the talent, the playmakers, and the coaching to fix it. But with Indiana up next and the CFP right around the corner, the time to figure it out is now.