5 concerning things from Michigan Football’s loss to Ohio State

The No. 15 Michigan Wolverines (9-3) lost 27-9 to the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-0). While it was a tall task for a young Michigan team to defeat an elite Ohio State team, there were still troubling occurrences throughout the game that must be corrected and improved upon.

Here’s a look at five concerning things from Michigan’s loss to Ohio State. A loss that wasn’t about one player or coach — it was about Michigan getting beaten in every phase.

It was a tough ask for Michigan true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood to be a superstar right away, and against Ohio State, Underwood looked like an 18 year old freshman who was still getting accustomed to the speed of the college game. Underwood often threw checkdowns too soon, even when there was an open Andrew Marsh down the field on multiple occasions. Underwood also opted to take off and run prematurely on pass plays when there weren’t many yards to be had rushing. In all, Underwood was 8-of-18 for 63 yards with an interception.

Underwood had flashes of greatness throughout the 2025 regular season but was often inconsistent. Underwood started all 12 games for Michigan, but threw for just nine touchdowns to six interceptions. Underwood’s numbers did not get better as the season wore on — in November, Underwood threw for two touchdowns with four interceptions and a lost fumble in four games.

It wasn’t just Underwood who had an underwhelming performance, as Michigan’s offensive line didn’t give him much time to throw, but he didn’t play up to the standard he sets for himself.

Ohio State had the ball for 40:01, including 23:40 in the second half. Ohio State had long drive after long drive and was lethal on third and fourth down. Ohio State was 10-of-17 on third down and 2-of-3 on fourth down. Ohio State’s first two touchdowns were on 4th and 5 (35-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith) and 3rd and 3 (four-yard pass to Brandon Inniss).

It was still a one score game at halftime with Michigan trailing 17-9, but it was all Ohio State in the second half. Michigan was outscored 10-0 in the second half, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Michigan had just 39 yards of total offense and -8 rushing yards. Michigan was 0-of-4 on third down and had possession for just 6:20. From a strength and conditioning standpoint and a figurative comparison to boxing, Michigan didn’t have the power or stamina to go the distance.

Michigan generated no pass rush throughout four quarters. Michigan didn’t generate a sack and only tallied one quarterback hit. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, who’s in the running for the Heisman Trophy, had far too much time to operate, and he picked Michigan’s secondary apart.

Michigan couldn’t stop Ohio State’s rushing attack, with Bo Jackson rushing for 117 and CJ Donaldson and Isaiah West combining for 64 yards. A year removed from having interior defensive linemen in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, who could stop the run and generate a pass rush, Michigan’s d-line was simply outmatched in this one.

Michigan running back Jordan Marshall had a 36-yard run to start the game, but aggravated a shoulder injury and would wind up with seven carries for 61 yards on the day. With Marshall injured, Michigan still turned to the running game heavily, with Bryson Kudzdal not having much success, rushing for 38 yards on 11 carries, with 22 of those yards coming on one carry.

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore admitted they aimed to be more balanced but turned to the run more after having early success on the ground. However, the run plays became more and more predictable with Michigan running on the first two downs of a possession and only letting Bryce Underwood sling it in obvious third-down passing situations.

Michigan offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey didn’t have any trick plays up his sleeve to catch Ohio State off guard; the offense didn’t unleash anything new, period. When it comes to creative motions, finding ways to create pick plays and rub routes, there’s just not enough, and it’s glaring that Ohio State’s offense wasn’t just more physical, it was more innovative. Michigan’s offense needs to evolve moving forward with a lot of new wrinkles involved — and can they try running a few more plays under center?