Last year’s edition of The Game ended with a near-brawl at midfield after Michigan won its fourth straight over Ohio State. So, understandably, this year’s matchup between the last two national champions began with as much intensity as ever.
Michigan star edge rusher Jaishawn Barham was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and nearly thrown out of the game for head-butting a referee in the first quarter, and just a few plays later, Ohio State returned the favor with a headbutt of its own. Only this one didn’t draw a flag at all.
As CJ Donaldson was stopped on the goalline, part of a five-play goalline stand from Michigan to force Ohio State to kick a field goal, Ohio State right tackle Philip Daniels, well, let’s just say, finished his block on Michigan defensive lineman Trey Pierce.