Sour End To Michigan's Season
The Michigan Wolverines end their regular season on a sour note losing to rival Ohio State 37-7.
The Buckeyes (11-1, 7-1) picked up two celebration penalties after touchdowns but had a lot to celebrate: A share of a record-tying sixth Big Ten title and, most likely, a Bowl Championship Series bowl berth.
Terrelle Pryor had two TD passes and Dan ``Boom'' Herron finished with 175 yards on 22 carries. It was another stumble for Michigan (7-5, 3-5) under coach Rich Rodriguez, now 0-3 against the Buckeyes and just 15-21 overall with the Wolverines.
Herron ran 98 yards for a score that was disallowed and shortened to an 89-yard gain because of a holding penalty as he neared the end zone. Michigan's sterling quarterback, Denard Robinson, was hampered by an injured left (non-throwing) hand.
He played little more than a half, running for 105 yards on 18 attempts and completing 8 of 18 passes for 87 yards. He came into the game second nationally in total offense at 343 yards a game.
The crowd serenaded the Buckeyes with ``We Don't Give A Damn For the Whole State of Michigan'' throughout the final quarter, long after the outcome had been decided.
It was the second-most lopsided Ohio State victory in the series since 1968, eclipsed only by a 42-7 win the last time the game was played in Columbus in 2008. Over those last two Buckeyes home games, they've outscored Michigan 79-14.
Ohio State players, dressed up in bright scarlet helmets and shoes for the game, were twice flagged for forming an ``O'' with their gloved hands while celebrating after touchdowns. The crowd of 105,491 booed lustily after each penalty. The rest of the afternoon was mostly cheers.
Ohio State's defense - with backup cornerback Travis Howard intercepting one pass and recovering two fumbles - controlled a Michigan offense that came in averaging 37 points and 515 yards per game. The Wolverines ended up with 351 yards - less than 100 in the second half.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
