NCAAF teams
Dan Murphy, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Instant Analysis: No. 6 Ohio State 42, Michigan 28

No. 6 Ohio State ended its regular season -- and likely Brady Hoke's tenure at Michigan -- in what might end up being a pyrrhic 42-28 victory against the Wolverines in Columbus.

The Buckeyes (11-1) scored 21 unanswered points to avoid a rivalry upset before Michigan scored the last touchdown of the game. The win came at a great cost, though. J.T. Barrett, at the tail end of the most productive season ever for a Buckeyes quarterback, needed a cart and an Aircast to make it off the field after his leg was twisted awkwardly beneath a defender on the first play of the fourth quarter. He scored two rushing touchdowns and threw for another before leaving the game.

Game ball goes to: Even though he missed the fourth quarter, Barrett still stood out as the game's top performer. His 25-yard scramble for a touchdown in the final minute of the first half kept Michigan from taking a lead into the locker room. He set up his second rushing score with a perfect deep ball to Devin Smith. His cool demeanor after the injury mirrored the calm that he provided for an Ohio State team that could have stumbled further when its first starting quarterback was hurt in the preseason.

What it means: For the Buckeyes, a trip to Indianapolis, and perhaps beyond, awaits. The offense will have to prove it can be prolific without Barrett to keep playoff chances alive. For Michigan, the loss makes its decision on whether or not to keep Hoke an easier one. Hoke's win totals have fallen in each of the past three seasons, and this group finishes 5-7.

Playoff implication: Ohio State remains in the playoff conversation, but its stock will likely decrease after Barrett's injury. Ohio State's offense clearly won't be the same if its Heisman candidate is unable to play. The committee will have to take that under consideration if it has to choose between the Buckeyes and a Big 12 team or a second SEC school.

Best play: With five minutes to play, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer decided to go for the kill. He called sophomore running back Ezekiel Elliott's number on a fourth-down play. Michigan's defense bit on some backfield misdirection, which gave Elliott the space he needed to bust a long run. Forty-four yards later, the Buckeyes had a two-score lead.

What's next: Ohio State advances to the Big Ten championship game next Saturday with its playoff hopes intact for now. Michigan will get a jump on what promises to be a busy offseason. The Wolverines will be searching for a new athletic director and more than likely a new football coach.

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