Ohio State walked into Ann Arbor on Saturday with questions swirling around its offensive line - and walked out with a statement win that answered just about all of them. The Buckeyes' 27-9 victory over then-No. 15 Michigan wasn’t just a rivalry triumph; it was a showcase of trench dominance, especially from an offensive front that had been under the microscope in recent weeks.
Let’s be clear: this game was won at the line of scrimmage. Ohio State's offensive line, particularly the much-scrutinized right side, flipped the script in a big way.
Injuries and inconsistent play had cast a shadow over that unit, but against Michigan’s aggressive front, they controlled the tempo from the jump. They consistently reset the line, giving the Buckeyes the upper hand in both the run and pass game - and that control opened up the full playbook.
This wasn’t just about holding blocks. It was about dictating terms.
The Buckeyes stayed on schedule offensively, avoiding the kind of negative plays that can derail drives in a hostile environment. The run game found rhythm early, and the protection gave quarterback Julian Sayin the kind of clean pockets that allow a young QB to settle in and thrive.
Sayin, to his credit, bounced back quickly from an early interception - the kind of moment that could rattle a less composed player. Instead, he leaned on the support of his line and delivered one of his most efficient performances of the season. He was sharp off play-action, reading Michigan’s shifting coverages with poise and delivering strikes that kept the chains moving.
This was arguably Ohio State’s most balanced offensive outing of the year, especially when you consider the caliber of the opponent. Against a top-15 team on the road, the Buckeyes didn’t just survive - they imposed their will.
And it all started up front.