The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is one of the most storied and intense in all of college football, with a rich history dating back over a century. On December 3rd, 2022, this historic rivalry witnessed a game that shattered records and left fans in awe. The 11th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes hosted the Michigan Wolverines in a highly anticipated matchup, and what followed was a display of offensive prowess and record-breaking performances that will forever be etched in the annals of college football history.
A Record-Breaking Showdown
The 2022 edition of The Game, as it’s commonly known, lived up to its billing as one of the greatest rivalries in sports. With both teams boasting high-powered offenses and talented rosters, the stage was set for a shootout at Ohio Stadium. And shootout it was, as the Buckeyes and Wolverines combined for an astonishing 117 points, setting a new record for the most combined points scored in a game between these two iconic programs.
Ohio State, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, entered the game with a high-octane offense that had been lighting up scoreboards all season. Michigan, on the other hand, had a more balanced attack, but their defense had been the cornerstone of their success. However, on this day, it was the offenses that stole the show, and the defensive units were left chasing shadows.
Offensive Explosions and Individual Heroics
The game began with a bang as Ohio State struck first, with Stroud connecting with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a touchdown. Michigan responded in kind, with quarterback J.J. McCarthy finding his favorite target, Roman Wilson, for a score of their own. The first quarter ended with the Buckeyes holding a slim lead, but the offensive fireworks had only just begun.
In the second quarter, the game truly erupted into a scoring frenzy. Ohio State's running back duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams ran wild, combining for over 200 rushing yards and multiple touchdowns. Stroud continued his aerial assault, completing passes to a multitude of receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Michigan, however, refused to back down, as McCarthy and Wilson continued to hook up for big plays, keeping the Wolverines in the game.
As halftime approached, the score stood at an incredible 42-35 in favor of Ohio State. The 77 combined points in a single half were a testament to the explosive nature of this contest. But the best was yet to come.
C.J. Stroud’s Historic Performance
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud had a day for the ages, solidifying his status as one of the top signal-callers in college football. Stroud completed an astonishing 40 passes out of 55 attempts, setting a new Ohio State single-game record for pass completions. He threw for 573 yards, just shy of the school record, and added 6 touchdown passes, further cementing his legacy.
Stroud's performance not only broke records but also set him apart as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. His precision, poise, and ability to make plays under pressure were on full display, as he picked apart the Michigan defense with surgical precision.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The Buckeye’s Reliable Target
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as Stroud’s go-to target, hauling in 15 receptions for 347 yards and 3 touchdowns. His performance against Michigan was nothing short of extraordinary, as he consistently made big plays and kept the Buckeye offense rolling. Smith-Njigba’s ability to create separation and make contested catches made him a matchup nightmare for the Wolverine secondary.
Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy: A Threat in the Air and on the Ground
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy had an impressive outing of his own, showcasing his dual-threat abilities. He completed 25 passes for 414 yards and 4 touchdowns, while also rushing for 101 yards and another score. McCarthy’s mobility and arm strength kept Ohio State’s defense on their toes, as he extended plays with his legs and delivered pinpoint passes downfield.
The Second Half: A Back-and-Forth Battle
After the high-scoring first half, one might have expected a defensive struggle in the second. However, the offenses continued to dominate, as both teams traded blows in a thrilling back-and-forth battle. Ohio State’s high-powered attack struck first in the third quarter, extending their lead. But Michigan refused to go away, as McCarthy and Wilson kept finding each other for big gains.
The fourth quarter saw the game reach new heights of excitement. With the score tied at 63-63, both teams had a chance to win it. Ohio State's defense finally stepped up, forcing a crucial turnover that led to a go-ahead field goal. However, Michigan responded with a touchdown drive of their own, taking a late lead.
In a game filled with dramatic twists and turns, it was Ohio State who had the last laugh. With time ticking away, Stroud led his team down the field on a meticulous drive, culminating in a game-winning touchdown pass to Smith-Njigba. The final score: 77-63 in favor of the Buckeyes.
Record-Breaking Stats and Milestones
The 2022 Ohio State-Michigan game not only broke the record for most combined points but also set numerous other records and milestones:
- Most points scored by a single team in the rivalry: 77 points by Ohio State.
- Most passing yards by a single player: 573 yards by C.J. Stroud.
- Most receiving yards by a single player: 347 yards by Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
- Most pass completions by a single player: 40 completions by C.J. Stroud.
- Most receiving touchdowns by a single player: 3 touchdowns by Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
- Most rushing yards by a single player: 204 yards by TreVeyon Henderson.
Additionally, both teams combined for an astonishing 1,282 yards of total offense, shattering the previous record for a single game in the rivalry.
| Statistical Category | Record-Breaking Achievement |
|---|---|
| Combined Points | 117 points (Most in Ohio State-Michigan history) |
| Passing Yards | 573 yards by C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) |
| Receiving Yards | 347 yards by Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) |
| Pass Completions | 40 completions by C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 3 touchdowns by Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) |
| Rushing Yards | 204 yards by TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) |
The Impact and Legacy
The 2022 Ohio State-Michigan game had a profound impact on the college football landscape. It not only solidified the rivalry’s status as one of the most intense and prestigious but also showcased the incredible talent pool within these two programs. The record-breaking performances by C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and other key players will be remembered for years to come.
Furthermore, the game's impact extended beyond the field. It provided a thrilling showcase of the sport's excitement and attracted a global audience, solidifying college football's place as a beloved and revered institution. The records set and the memories created will forever be a part of the rich history of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry.
FAQ
What was the final score of the 2022 Ohio State-Michigan game?
+Ohio State defeated Michigan with a final score of 77-63.
Who broke the single-game passing yards record in this game?
+Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud broke the record with 573 passing yards.
How many touchdowns did Jaxon Smith-Njigba score in the game?
+Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State’s wide receiver, scored an impressive 3 touchdowns.
What was the previous record for most combined points in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry?
+The previous record was 99 points, set in the 2000 game, which Ohio State won 62-37.
