If there’s one play that perfectly represents the current state of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, it’s Kalel Mullings’ 27-yard run.
With just 3:30 remaining in the game, Michigan found themselves facing a third-and-six after a critical goal-line interception by their quarterback. With the game on the line, Michigan placed their trust in Mullings and the offensive line. The Wolverines’ defense had just forced a three-and-out after Jack Sawyer’s interception, and Michigan took over at the Ohio State 44-yard line. After four consecutive runs for 16 yards, it was clear—Mullings would be the workhorse, and Ohio State had to stop him.
The initial plan was likely to move the ball closer for a 60-yard field goal from Dominic Zvada, but Mullings had other ideas. Met in the backfield, he fought through multiple defenders, shedding tackles before finally being pushed out of bounds by Caleb Downs, Ohio State’s top safety. Downs, who transferred from Alabama, knew firsthand how tough it is to overcome Michigan, and in that moment, he wasn’t tough enough to stop Mullings. In fact, no one on Ohio State’s defense could.
Mullings ran four more times on the drive, with Michigan moving the chains, and a crucial penalty on Ohio State for having 12 players on the field gave the Wolverines another first down. They eventually settled for a 21-yard field goal from Zvada. Michigan didn’t need a touchdown; Ohio State had been shut down, failing to gain a first down in the final 21 minutes of play and accumulating just 10 yards in the fourth quarter. On their last drive, the Buckeyes gained a single yard before turning the ball over on downs, sealing Michigan’s victory and triggering a celebration.
The post-game confrontation that followed only highlighted Ohio State’s frustration with the loss. If they didn’t want Michigan to celebrate, they should’ve handled it during the game rather than throwing a tantrum afterward.
The fight, and the way both head coaches responded, spoke volumes about each program’s mentality. Michigan proved to be tougher—physically and mentally—for 60 minutes, securing their fourth straight win over Ohio State.
**Kalel Mullings is now a Michigan football legend.** Fans had been calling for him to get more carries all season, and in “The Game,” the coaching staff answered the call. On the final drive, Mullings rushed nine times for 54 yards, and in the fourth quarter alone, he carried the ball 15 times without ever tiring. His 27-yard run will be a lasting memory for Michigan fans, symbolizing why the Wolverines continue to dominate this rivalry.
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