The 2016 edition of "The Game" was a thriller for the ages. No. 3 Michigan Wolverines and the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes went to overtime for the first time in history and the Buckeyes completed a 10-point comeback to win 30-27. It will go down as one of the best game this year and one of the best in the storied rivalry's history.
Here are four things we learned from Ohio State's 30-27 win over Michigan Saturday.
4. Turns Out Wilton Speight Wasn't Out For The Year
'Member when it was reported that QB Wilton Speight was out for the season? I 'member. Turns out that wasn't actually the case, and Jim Harbaugh was telling the truth when he said Speight wasn't out. As for Speight's actual play, it was better than what John O'Korn showed last week against Indiana. But in the end, it wasn't enough. Speight completed 23 of 36 passes for 219 yards and two scores, including a one on 4th and goal in OT. But he also threw two picks that lead to two Buckeye scores (one was a pick-six) and also fumbled on the goal line. With Michigan recording just 91 yards on 43 carries, Speight's play wasn't enough to deliver a win.
3. Jim Harbaugh Was Not Happy With The Refs
Harbaugh didn't outright blame the officials for Michigan's loss, but he came pretty close. Harbaugh said he was "bitterly disappointed" with the officiating in the game. He pointed to the 4th down and 1 conversion by J.T. Barrett in the second OT. Harbaugh adamantly believed that Barrett was short. He was also upset with a pass interference call on Delano Hill, pointing to a similar play that wasn't called in favor of Michigan. At one point, Harbaugh picked up a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Buckeyes were whistled for just two penalties for six yards, and that's where Harbaugh might have his best claim against officials since Michigan was called for seven for 59 yards. Expect a fine coming Harbaugh's way for ripping the officials after the game.
2. Playoff Implications
With the loss, Michigan is eliminated from the College Football Playoff race. The Wolverines had to win the Big Ten to make it in, and that's no longer an option. On the bright side, Michigan will still get a nice bowl game. As for the Buckeyes, their hopes are still alive. They should be No. 2 again in the next CFP Rankings, but might not be guaranteed a berth. If Penn State beats Michigan State Saturday, the Nittany Lions will head to the Big Ten Championship game. And if they beat Wisconsin in that game, and Washington also wins, Ohio State might be left out. There's also a scenario in which both Penn State and Ohio State get in. OSU should feel good about its chances, but it's not set in stone.
1. This Is One Of Many Great Matchups To Come
Jim Harbaugh vs. Urban Meyer isn't going anywhere soon. This was the first ever OT game in history between the programs and it was one, if not the, best game this season. While the 2006 edition was a thrilling matchup as well, the 2016 edition of "The Game" has a case for being the greatest so far. Even if it's not, it's a sign of what's to come in this rivalry. Both of these teams should be among college football's best over the next several years. College football is better when Michigan and Ohio State are both great, and that's what we're going to get during the next few seasons.