Michigan DB Says Win Over Ohio State Extra Sweet After the Buckeyes Passed on Recruiting Him

Rod Moore detailed his game-winning interception and what it meant to him.

Third-ranked Michigan won its third straight rivalry game against No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday by a final score of 30–24, which was extra sweet for one Wolverines defensive back.

Starting junior defensive back Rod Moore caught the game-sealing interception, and was asked about the significance of his play in the critical win for the Wolverines that clinched a spot in the Big Ten title.

“I really can’t put into words how I’m feeling,” Moore said after the game. “Being a three-peat and being from Ohio, it feels great. Especially them guys not recruiting me when I was coming out of high school, just being able to beat them and get the get back on them feels so good.”

Michigan defensive back Rod Moore was extra motivated to beat Ohio State after the Buckeyes declined to offer the Ohio native as a high school recruit :: Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

With the Wolverines leading 30–24 late in the fourth quarter, the Buckeyes were driving into Michigan territory. But with less than 30 seconds to play, Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord looked over the middle of the field and released a pass that went right into the arms of Moore, who came down with it to seal the game for Michigan in the Big House.

Ohio State’s regular season is complete with an 11–1 record which likely eliminates them from College Football Playoff contention. As for the Wolverines, they’ll head to the Big Ten title in Indianapolis next Saturday to take on Iowa for a shot at the College Football Playoff.


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Mike McDaniel
MIKE MCDANIEL

Mike McDaniel is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated, where he has worked since January 2022. His work has been featured at InsideTheACC.com, SB Nation, FanSided and more. McDaniel hosts the Hokie Hangover Podcast, covering Virginia Tech athletics, as well as Basketball Conference: The ACC Football Podcast. Outside of work, he is a husband and father, and an avid golfer.