Michigan Upsets Ohio State and Aims for a Playoff Berth

Before a crowd thick with maize and blue, the Wolverines beat Ohio State for the first time since 2011 and earned a chance to play for a Big Ten title.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Even on Rivalry Saturday, some things were certain.

For one, either No. 2 Ohio State or No. 5 Michigan would have two losses and be deeply diminished in the College Football Playoff chase by day’s end. For another, but probably less important to the 111,156 chilled souls on hand, the sky’s hue promised that Michigan Stadium would soon resemble a snow globe.

The snowfall started before kickoff. The final score took much longer to settle but exacted consequences that reshaped the college football season: Michigan upset Ohio State, 42-27.