Ohio State vs. Michigan 2013 final score: Buckeyes foil last-minute upset attempt, 42-41

It was ugly, it was a fight, it was way more of a struggle than anyone in Columbus wanted. But it was a win, and for that, Ohio State’s championship hopes are still alive.

Ohio State saw Carlos Hyde (finally) hit pay dirt with 2:20 left, then stopped a Michigan two-point conversion with 32 seconds left to preserve a 42-41 victory. With that, Ohio State is 12-0 (8-0), while the Wolverines are forced to wonder what might have been.

Michigan took advantage of a Carlos Hyde fumble to tie the game at 35 with 5:29 on the clock, then Gardner led a heroic drive in the dying minutes to get Michigan in position to tie for overtime or go for the win. Head coach Brady Hoke wanted the win, but Gardner’s throw to Drew Dileo in the end zone was picked off by Tyvis Powell and that was that.

Box Score Hero: Carlos Hyde’s line is the stuff of nightmares for defensive coordinators: 27 rushes, 226 yards and a score. Michigan had no answer for the Ohio State power game.

Rankings Ramifications: Ohio State remains No. 3 in the land, and the Buckeyes are about to become the biggest Auburn fans outside of the state of Alabama; if the Tigers win, OSU is next in line for BCS National Championship eligibility.

But Did They Cover? Ohio State was a 17-point favorite. Yeah, no.

For More On This Game: Ohio State fans should read Land Grant Holy Land. Michigan fans should read Maize N Brew. For all things Big Ten, read Off Tackle Empire.

Next Week’s Schedule: Ohio State will face Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship, while Michigan is off to Bowltown, population 70 (there are 35 bowls, you see) (Michigan is playing in one of them).

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