'The Game' between Ohio State-Michigan full of controversy in first half originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The start of "The Game" lived up to its billing Saturday, delivering rivalry fury, officiating controversy and a first half certain to dominate postgame debate as No. 1 Ohio State met No. 15 Michigan.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTempers flared early. Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham drew an unsportsmanlike penalty in the first quarter for contacting an official, leaning into the referee while arguing a call and appearing to make helmet contact that resembled a head-butt.
Barham was not ejected, as it was his first such violation, but the 15-yard penalty wiped away a Michigan defensive stand. Instead of third and goal, Ohio State received an automatic first down while trailing 6-0.
FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt called Barham “lucky” to stay in the game.
“They have absolutely every right to throw him out and eject him,” Klatt said on the broadcast. “These officials are trying to keep themselves out of the game, but that’s first and goal, a new set of downs for Ohio State. That’s a massive penalty.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe chaos intensified a few plays later. OSU quarterback Julian Sayin’s 1-yard touchdown run was reviewed and overturned, ruling him short of the goal line. On fourth-and-goal, a false start forced Ohio State into a 20-yard field goal, trimming Michigan’s lead to 6-3.
Ohio State eventually grabbed the lead.
Sayin fired a 35-yard touchdown pass to freshman star Jeremiah Smith for a 10-6 edge, but not before receivers hit the turf. Smith crossed the goal line while appearing to lose possession, creating brief fear of a touchback if ruled a fumble.
Officials confirmed the score, and Klatt again noted a touchback would have given Michigan the ball on its 20, leading 6-3. Michigan responded, but the storyline was insane.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementControversy has also hovered over nearly every scoring moment, as the sport’s biggest rivalry reminded millions watching this was the one to watch this weekend.
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