Ohio State Dominates Michigan; Alabama Prepares for SEC Title

Ohio State secured a dominant 27 to 9 victory over Michigan, keeping their perfect season alive with a 12 and 0 record. This win marked the end of a four-game losing streak against their rivals, with key contributions from players like wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, both returning from injuries to score touchdown catches.

Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 233 yards, completing 19 of 26 passes with three touchdowns and one interception. Freshman running back Bo Jackson also shined, rushing for over 100 yards and adding 49 receiving yards to the Buckeyes' offensive efforts.

Ohio State will next face No. 2 Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game on December 6. According to The Guardian US, the Buckeyes rallied from a 9 to 0 deficit, with Sayin throwing touchdown passes to Smith and Brandon Inniss to take a 17 to 9 lead into halftime.

Tate’s 50-yard touchdown midway through the third quarter solidified their lead. Michigan struggled, with freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood managing only 63 yards passing and throwing a late interception.

Following the game, Michigan players remained on the field, guarding the large M logo at the 50-yard line, a direct reaction to last year’s controversial incident that led to significant fines for both programs.

Meanwhile, Alabama, ranked No. 10, edged out rival Auburn 27 to 20 in the Iron Bowl, clinching a spot in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. According to Birmingham News, Alabama's victory was characterized by a strong performance from receiver Isaiah Horton, who caught three touchdown passes from quarterback Ty Simpson.

The Crimson Tide overcame a 17-point lead to secure the win, with a critical 15-play, 75-yard drive culminating in a game-winning touchdown catch by Horton. Alabama’s defense held strong against Auburn’s late-game push, recovering a critical fumble to seal the win.

With this victory, Alabama improved to 10 and 2 overall and 7 and 1 in the Southeastern Conference. The upcoming rematch with Georgia is not just another game; it serves as a de facto playoff game for Alabama, who must win to secure an automatic bid into the College Football Playoff.

Coach Kalen DeBoer noted that the players maintained a business-like attitude after their victory, emphasizing the need to stay focused and continue their strong performance as they prepare for Georgia.

With the stakes high, the Crimson Tide are determined to assert themselves, aiming to avoid leaving their playoff fate in the committee's hands. As Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson stated, their focus is on playing to their potential and ensuring they don’t rely on outside decisions for playoff inclusion.