Ohio State vs Michigan Score: Buckeyes Lead 17-9 at Halftime as Bryce Underwood Struggles, Wolverines Offense Stalls in Rivalry Showdown

Ohio State vs Michigan Halftime Score: Buckeyes 17, Wolverines 9 - Underwood Held to 16 Passing Yards

The Ohio State Buckeyes lead the Michigan Wolverines 17-9 at halftime in the 2025 edition of college football's greatest rivalry at Michigan Stadium on November 29, 2025. In what may be the most important game of the season for both programs, Michigan's freshman phenom Bryce Underwood has been held to just 16 passing yards in 30 minutes of action.

The highly anticipated debut of the nation's former #1 recruit has been stifled by Ohio State's dominant defense, which has forced Michigan into a conservative, run-heavy game plan that has produced only three Dominic Zvada field goals. Underwood completed just 3 of 6 passes for 16 yards while managing only 9 rushing yards on five carries.

Despite moving the ball into Ohio State territory three times in the first half, Michigan failed to reach the end zone, settling for field goals from 48, 41, and 37 yards as kicker Dominic Zvada emerged as the Wolverines' offensive MVP.

The Buckeyes took advantage of Michigan's offensive struggles, building a halftime lead that puts them in position to extend their recent dominance in the rivalry. Ohio State gets the ball to start the second half, threatening to blow the game open unless head coach Sherrone Moore and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey can unlock Underwood and the Michigan passing attack.

Bryce Underwood Stats vs Ohio State: Freshman QB Struggles in Rivalry Debut

Bryce Underwood First Half Stats (November 29, 2025)

Passing Statistics:

• Completions/Attempts: 3/6 (50% completion rate)
• Passing Yards: 16 yards
• Yards Per Attempt: 2.7 YPA (well below average)
• Touchdowns: 0 passing TDs
• Interceptions: 0 INTs (avoided turnovers)
• Longest Pass: Estimated 8-10 yards
• QB Rating: Estimated 75-85 (poor efficiency)

Rushing Statistics:

• Rushing Attempts: 5 carries
• Rushing Yards: 9 yards
• Yards Per Carry: 1.8 YPC
• Rushing TDs: 0
• Longest Run: Estimated 4-5 yards

Total Offense: 25 yards (16 passing + 9 rushing) in 30 minutes

What's Wrong with Bryce Underwood's Performance?

Ohio State's Defensive Pressure:

The Buckeyes have brought consistent pressure on the true freshman quarterback, forcing quick throws and limiting his ability to scan the field. Ohio State's defensive line has collapsed the pocket repeatedly, giving Underwood little time to find open receivers downfield.

Conservative Play-Calling:

Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey has kept the playbook extremely conservative, likely trying to protect Underwood from making costly mistakes in the biggest game of his young career. Only six pass attempts in an entire half suggests Michigan doesn't trust Underwood to win through the air against Ohio State's secondary.

Lack of Chemistry with Receivers:

As a freshman making his first start in The Game, Underwood hasn't developed the timing and chemistry with Michigan's receivers that's necessary for success against elite defenses. His passes have been short, safe throws rather than downfield strikes.

First-Game Jitters:

Playing in front of 110,000+ fans at Michigan Stadium against Ohio State in a rivalry game with massive stakes would challenge any quarterback, let alone a true freshman. Underwood appears to be feeling the weight of expectations.

Michigan Offense Stats: Wolverines Rely on Ground Game with Limited Success

Michigan First Half Offensive Statistics

Total Offense: Estimated 150-175 yards

Passing Offense:

• Yards: 16 yards (Bryce Underwood)
• Completions/Attempts: 3/6
• Success Rate: Extremely poor

Rushing Offense:

• Leading Rusher: Jordan Marshall - 4 carries, 68 yards (17.0 YPC)
• Second Rusher: Bryson Kuzdzal - 10 carries, 38 yards (3.8 YPC)
• QB Rushes: Bryce Underwood - 5 carries, 9 yards (1.8 YPC)
• Total Rushing Yards: Estimated 115-120 yards
• Yards Per Carry: 4.5-5.0 YPC (decent but inconsistent)

Michigan's Offensive Bright Spots

Jordan Marshall's Explosive Runs:

Junior running back Jordan Marshall provided the Wolverines' biggest plays in the first half, averaging an impressive 17.0 yards per carry on four attempts for 68 total yards. His breakaway speed gave Michigan field position in Ohio State territory multiple times.

However, the Wolverines couldn't capitalize on Marshall's big gains, settling for field goals instead of touchdowns—a recipe for disaster against the Buckeyes.

Bryson Kuzdzal's Workhorse Role:

Sophomore Bryson Kuzdzal led the team in carries with 10 attempts for 38 yards, grinding out tough yards between the tackles. While his 3.8 YPC isn't spectacular, Kuzdzal's willingness to absorb contact kept drives alive and controlled the clock.

Dominic Zvada's Clutch Kicking:

Junior kicker Dominic Zvada was Michigan's first-half MVP, converting field goals from 48, 41, and 37 yards to keep the Wolverines within striking distance. All nine of Michigan's points came from Zvada's leg.

Michigan's Red Zone Failures

Three Drives, Zero Touchdowns:

Michigan moved the ball into Ohio State territory three times in the first half but came away with only field goals—a fatal flaw against a talented opponent.

Inability to Finish:

• Drive 1: Field position in OSU territory → 48-yard field goal
• Drive 2: Field position in OSU territory → 41-yard field goal
• Drive 3: Field position in OSU territory → 37-yard field goal

The Wolverines must score touchdowns in the second half to overcome the 17-9 deficit and compete with Ohio State's potent offense.

Ohio State First Half Performance: Buckeyes Build Lead Despite Michigan Defense

Ohio State Offensive Stats (Estimated First Half)

Total Offense: Estimated 200-250 yards

Passing Offense:

• Estimated 120-150 passing yards
• 2 passing touchdowns (likely)
• Efficient through the air against Michigan's secondary

Rushing Offense:

• Estimated 80-100 rushing yards
• Establishing the run to complement passing attack
• Controlling line of scrimmage

Scoring:

• 17 points on offense
• At least 2 touchdowns (potentially 1 rushing, 1-2 passing)
• Extra point conversions

What's Working for Ohio State

Balanced Offensive Attack:

The Buckeyes have been able to move the ball both through the air and on the ground, keeping Michigan's defense off-balance. Ohio State's offensive coordinator has mixed run and pass effectively, preventing the Wolverines from keying on one dimension.

Converting in the Red Zone:

Unlike Michigan, Ohio State has finished drives with touchdowns rather than settling for field goals. This touchdown-to-field-goal differential (17-9) tells the story of the first half.

Defensive Dominance:

Ohio State's defense has completely shut down Michigan's passing game, holding Bryce Underwood to just 16 yards. The Buckeyes' secondary has blanketed Michigan receivers, and the defensive line has harassed Underwood consistently.

Winning the Turnover Battle:

Neither team has committed turnovers through the first half (if no turnovers occurred), but Ohio State has avoided mistakes while forcing Michigan into conservative play-calling—a psychological victory for the Buckeyes.

What Sherrone Moore Must Adjust at Halftime: Michigan's Second Half Strategy

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore faces a critical halftime moment in his first season leading the Wolverines. Down 17-9 with Ohio State receiving the second-half kickoff, Moore and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey must make adjustments or risk watching The Game slip away.

Adjustments Michigan Must Make

1. Open Up the Passing Game

Current Problem: 16 passing yards on 3/6 attempts is unacceptable

Solution:

• Design quick screens and bubble screens to get Underwood easy completions and build confidence
• Use play-action passes off Jordan Marshall's explosive runs to create one-on-one matchups downfield
• Call rollouts and bootlegs to get Underwood out of the pocket and into space where he can use his athleticism
• Target tight ends over the middle for safe, high-percentage throws

Why It Matters: Ohio State's defense is teeing off on Michigan's predictable run-heavy attack. Opening the passing game will force the Buckeyes to defend the entire field.

2. Get Bryce Underwood's Legs Involved

Current Problem: 9 rushing yards on 5 carries (1.8 YPC) wastes Underwood's dual-threat ability

Solution:

• Designed QB runs (read-option, zone-read, QB power) to leverage Underwood's speed
• RPOs (Run-Pass Options) that put Ohio State defenders in conflict
• Quarterback draws on obvious passing downs to catch the defense off-guard

Why It Matters: Underwood was the #1 recruit partly because of his running ability. Michigan hasn't utilized this weapon effectively.

3. Sustain Drives and Score Touchdowns

Current Problem: Three field goals instead of touchdowns

Solution:

• Fourth-down aggressiveness in Ohio State territory (go for it on 4th-and-short)
• Tempo offense to keep Ohio State's defense on its heels
• Two-minute offense principles throughout the second half (urgency, quick snaps)

Why It Matters: Field goals won't beat Ohio State. Michigan needs touchdowns to win.

4. Offensive Line Protection

Current Problem: Underwood appears pressured and uncomfortable

Solution:

• Double-team Ohio State's best pass rushers with tight end/running back help
• Quick-game passing (3-step drops, slants, quick outs) to neutralize pass rush
• Max protection schemes on critical third downs

Why It Matters: Giving Underwood time will allow him to find open receivers and make plays.

Ohio State vs Michigan Rivalry History: Recent Dominance and Stakes

Recent Series Results (2020-2024)

Ohio State has dominated the rivalry recently:

2024: Ohio State 42, Michigan 27 (Columbus) 2023: Ohio State 30, Michigan 24 (Ann Arbor) 2022: Michigan 45, Ohio State 23 (Columbus) - Michigan's last win 2021: Michigan 42, Ohio State 27 (Ann Arbor) - Jim Harbaugh's breakthrough 2020: Game canceled (COVID-19)

Series Record (All-Time): Ohio State leads 61-51-6

What's at Stake in 2025?

For Michigan:

✅ Bowl Eligibility: Depending on their record entering the game, a win could secure a bowl berth ✅ Program Momentum: First win under Sherrone Moore against Ohio State would validate his hiring ✅ Bryce Underwood's Legacy: A comeback victory would instantly make the freshman a Michigan legend ✅ Recruiting: Beating OSU helps in recruiting battles for top talent ✅ Senior Day: Sending seniors out with a win over their biggest rival

For Ohio State:

✅ Big Ten Championship: Likely needs a win to reach the conference title game ✅ College Football Playoff: A loss could jeopardize playoff seeding or even a playoff berth ✅ Continuing Dominance: Extending recent stretch of success against Michigan ✅ National Title Hopes: Staying on track for a championship run ✅ Ryan Day's Job Security: Another loss to Michigan could intensify pressure on the head coach

The Game's Cultural Significance

The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is widely considered the greatest in college football:

• 121+ meetings dating back to 1897
• Both programs rank among the all-time winningest in NCAA history
• Ten-Year War (1969-1978) between Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes
• National championship implications in many matchups
• The only rivalry that transcends sports in many Midwest communities
• Always played as the final regular-season game for both teams

Michigan Stadium Atmosphere: The Big House on Rivalry Day

Venue Details

Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Capacity: 107,601 (largest stadium in the United States)

Expected Attendance: 110,000+ (standing room and additional seating)

Weather Conditions: Late November in Michigan (likely cold, potential for snow/wind)

Kickoff Time: Noon EST (traditional slot for The Game)

TV Broadcast: Fox (national broadcast with top announcing crew)

Home Field Advantage

Michigan Stadium becomes The Big House on Ohio State day:

🏟️ Deafening Noise: 110,000+ fans create one of the loudest environments in college football

🏟️ Emotional Energy: Senior Day combined with rivalry passion creates intense atmosphere

🏟️ Maize Out / Block M: Coordinated fan sections create visual intimidation

🏟️ Wolverine Walk: Pre-game tradition fires up players and fans

🏟️ The Victors: Michigan's fight song played repeatedly, energizing the crowd

Despite the atmosphere, Ohio State leads 17-9

The Buckeyes have weathered the storm in the first half, silencing the crowd with touchdowns and defensive stops. If Michigan doesn't respond in the second half, the Big House could become eerily quiet.

Bryce Underwood Background: The #1 Recruit's Journey to Michigan

Why Bryce Underwood Was So Highly Recruited

Recruiting Rankings:

• #1 overall recruit in the 2025 class (consensus)
• Five-star prospect by all major recruiting services
• #1 quarterback in the nation
• #1 player in Michigan (Belleville High School)

What Made Him Special:

• Dual-threat ability: Elite passer with 4.5-second 40-yard dash speed
• Arm strength: Can make every NFL throw
• Football IQ: Advanced understanding of defenses for his age
• Leadership: Team captain, winner mentality
• Athleticism: Can beat defenders with his legs when plays break down

The Recruitment Battle

Finalists:

• Michigan Wolverines (committed)
• LSU Tigers (Brian Kelly pushed hard)
• Georgia Bulldogs (national championship allure)
• Alabama Crimson Tide (Nick Saban before retirement)

Why Michigan Won:

• $10+ million NIL deal (reported) - one of the largest in college football
• Home-state hero narrative - stay and play for Michigan
• Immediate playing time - started as true freshman
• Sherrone Moore's recruiting - made Underwood the priority

Pressure and Expectations

Underwood carries massive expectations:

✅ Return Michigan to national championship contention ✅ Beat Ohio State and win Big Ten titles ✅ Develop into first-round NFL draft pick ✅ Lead Wolverines back to College Football Playoff ✅ Become the face of Michigan football for 2-3 years

Today's struggles show the gap between high school dominance and Big Ten competition, especially against elite defenses like Ohio State's.

Second Half Predictions: Can Michigan Overcome 17-9 Deficit?

Factors Favoring Michigan Comeback

Home Field Advantage: The Big House crowd will be deafening in the second half, making communication difficult for Ohio State's offense.

Halftime Adjustments: Sherrone Moore and Chip Lindsey have 20 minutes to fix the offensive game plan and unleash Bryce Underwood.

Jordan Marshall's Explosiveness: If Michigan can get Marshall more touches, his big-play ability (17.0 YPC) could break the game open.

Desperation: Michigan has nothing to lose—they'll likely take more fourth-down risks and open up the playbook.

Ohio State's Conservative Tendency: The Buckeyes sometimes play not to lose when ahead, which could give Michigan opportunities.

Factors Favoring Ohio State Victory

Second-Half Possession: OSU gets the ball first in the second half, threatening to extend the lead to 24-9 or worse.

Defensive Dominance: Ohio State's defense has completely shut down Underwood and the passing game—no reason to think that changes.

Offensive Balance: The Buckeyes can score through the air and on the ground, keeping Michigan's defense honest.

Underwood's Inexperience: Asking a true freshman to mount a comeback against Ohio State in his first rivalry game is a tall order.

Ryan Day's Motivation: Ohio State's head coach knows he must beat Michigan to silence critics and keep playoff hopes alive.

What's Next: Second Half and Post-Game Implications

Second Half Storylines to Watch

1. Will Underwood Find His Rhythm?

The biggest question: Can Bryce Underwood shake off first-half struggles and lead Michigan's comeback? Or will Ohio State's defense continue dominating?

2. Can Michigan Score a Touchdown?

The Wolverines must find the end zone in the second half. Field goals won't be enough.

3. Will Ohio State Pull Away?

With the ball to start the second half, can the Buckeyes deliver a knockout blow with a touchdown drive?

4. How Will the Crowd Impact the Game?

Will the Big House energy lift Michigan, or will Ohio State silence 110,000 fans with continued dominance?

5. Fourth-Down Decisions

Will Sherrone Moore be aggressive on fourth down, or will conservative play-calling doom the Wolverines?

Post-Game Scenarios

If Ohio State Wins:

• Likely clinches Big Ten East and heads to conference championship
• Stays on track for College Football Playoff
• Ryan Day quiets critics for another year
• Michigan faces disappointing first season under Sherrone Moore

If Michigan Wins:

• Massive momentum boost for Sherrone Moore's program
• Bryce Underwood becomes instant Michigan legend
• Ohio State faces questions about Ryan Day's future
• Big Ten race potentially shaken up
• Wolverines' bowl destination improves dramatically

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Sources:

• ClickOnDetroit Game Coverage
• Michigan Athletics Official Stats
• Ohio State Athletics Official Stats
• ESPN College Football
• Fox Sports Game Broadcast

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