Ohio State Buckeyes Fall to Michigan Wolverines, Lose 'The Game' For Third Year in a Row

Fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes will have to wait 365 days for a chance to break their three-year losing streak against their historic rivals.

The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes fell to the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines for the third straight year on Saturday by a final score of 30-24.

The loss made this the third-straight year in which the Buckeyes lost to the Wolverines, dating back to a 42-27 loss in Ann Arbor, Michigan on November 27, 2021.

It's no secret Ohio State values its annual contest against Michigan above all others in the regular season. The desire to beat the Wolverines is baked into the culture of the Scarlet and Gray, whether it be the coaches, fans, or players.

The Buckeyes were out-rushed by the Wolverines on Saturday, compiling 107 yards on the ground compared to their opponents' 156 yards. Michigan's ground attack out-performing Ohio State's has been a motif of the past three seasons.

In 2021, the Wolverines racked up 297 rushing yards as a team while allowing 64 to the Buckeyes. Michigan eclipsed 250 yards on the ground last season as well, finishing with 252 yards alongside 143 for Ohio State.

The Buckeyes recorded fewer total yards than in any of their prior two losses to the Wolverines. Ohio State's 378 yards on Saturday were less than the 492 yards in 2022 and 458 yards in 2021.

The future is unclear for Ohio State, as they will miss out on playing for a Big Ten Championship for the third year in a row, and likely fall out of contention for a berth in the College Football Playoff.

It is safe to assume Tuesday's CFP rankings show (which will determine Ohio State's postseason) will be a popular watch for Buckeyes players, fans, and media.