Ohio State left it late but the Buckeyes ultimately shook off Maryland’s upset bid to set up the game that everyone in college football wants to see.
Saturday was the day for almost upsets as Baylor challenged TCU and Illinois took Michigan to the brink. After watching the Horned Frogs and Wolverines notch tough wins, Ohio State needed to do the same against Maryland.
The Terrapins didn’t make it easy. They simply didn’t go away, holding a chance to win with the ball in their possession in the final minute while down by six.
In the end, the Buckeyes came through. While the state of Ohio held its breath, Zach Harrison sacked Taulia Tagovailoa and forced a fumble that was recovered by Steele Chambers for a game-clinching touchdown.
Ohio State fans got to breathe. So did the college football media and fans who just wanted to see an undefeated matchup in The Game.
Best reactions to Ohio State surviving Maryland
… And we are done in College Park. Michigan and Ohio State get to 11-0 the hard way, and the collision in The Shoe is on.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) November 20, 2022
Ohio State and Michigan both got their biggest scares of the season, but it is on.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) November 20, 2022
11-0 Michigan at 11-0 Ohio State, next Saturday at high noon.
https://twitter.com/H_Grove/status/1594122294309588994
So… ummmm… you guys got anymore of those Ohio State vs Maryland games?… please? pic.twitter.com/qIe19GYik7
— Fratletes Podcast (@FratletesPod) November 20, 2022
Wow. Ohio State just beat one of the best football teams in the country. You don't have to fact check that. The spread definitely wasn't -27
— Sir Yacht (@SirYacht_) November 20, 2022
Ohio State and Michigan need to adopt the SEC's policy of cupcakes before rivalry week because today has been unsettling for two teams clearly looking ahead.
— Andrew Lind (@AndrewMLind) November 19, 2022
I'm going to worry about Ohio State's performance for roughly 4 seconds pic.twitter.com/tjT6TF3ZrY
— Jason Priestas (@priestas) November 20, 2022
Just how crazy has this week been in College Football?
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) November 20, 2022
Ohio State’s win over Maryland is the largest margin of victory for a top 4 team today.
Before fans try to read too deeply into what this game means for the Buckeyes and their Big Ten title or College Football Playoff hopes, it’s worth remembering that the entire Top 10 struggled in Week 12. Ohio State was no different.
Obviously, Ohio State will need to play cleaner football when they take on Michigan next week but at this point winning is the only thing that matters, whether facing Maryland or Michigan. Going on the road and finding a way to win is the end result.
Fans of the Buckeyes can take heart in the performance of Dallan Hayden, who became the featured back because of injuries and rushed for 146 yards and three touchdowns.