In what has become one of the most disappointing chapters in the Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry, Ohio State fell to Michigan for the fourth consecutive year in 2024. Although much of the post-game discussion centered around the Buckeyes' offensive performance and play-calling, the special teams unit played a critical role in the defeat, failing to pick up the slack in key moments. Five specific special teams plays cost Ohio State dearly, preventing them from capitalizing on their offense’s second and third-longest drives of the game.
Here’s a breakdown of the five special teams mishaps that sealed Ohio State’s fate:
1. Jayden Fielding Misses a 38-Yard Field Goal (7:28, 2nd Quarter)
With Ohio State down 7-3 in the second quarter, kicker Jayden Fielding lined up for a 38-yard field goal to cut Michigan’s lead. Having been 8-for-9 on field goals leading up to the game, and perfect in kicks between 30-39 yards, this was expected to be routine. However, Fielding missed wide, and the momentum shifted. The miss not only denied the Buckeyes a crucial scoring opportunity but also energized Michigan.
2. Caleb Downs Misses a Punt, Pinned Inside the 10-Yard Line (5:41, 2nd Quarter)
Just minutes after Fielding’s missed field goal, Ohio State’s defense forced a three-and-out. Michigan’s Tommy Doman punted a low-line drive, which was returnable, but Caleb Downs hesitated, allowing the ball to bounce. Downs had no option to field it off the bounce as Ohio State's jammer, Denzel Burke, failed even to get a finger on Michigan's gunner.
Downs was forced to watch as the ball rolled deep into Ohio State territory, pinning the Buckeyes at their own 7-yard line. This field position error nullified Ohio State's advantage of the missed field goal, flipping momentum back to Michigan.
3. Joe McGuire's 31-Yard Punt Gives Michigan Excellent Field Position (4:17, 2nd Quarter)
As Ohio State struggled to flip the field, punter Joe McGuire compounded their issues. With the Buckeyes backed up at their own 8-yard line, McGuire’s punt traveled just 31 yards to Ohio State’s 39-yard line. This set Michigan up with a short field, and despite gaining only two yards, the Wolverines kicked a 54-yard field goal to extend their lead to 10-3.
These three special teams plays back-to-back-to-back were devastating, allowing Michigan to only gain 7 yards on two drives combined that led to a 54-yard field goal for Dominic Zvada, who gave Michigan a touchdown lead, 10-3.
4. TreVeyon Henderson Mishandles a Kickoff (Start of 3rd Quarter)
The second half began with another special teams error. TreVeyon Henderson misjudged a routine kickoff, allowing it to bounce near Ohio State’s 5-yard line. Forced to fall on the ball at the 6-yard line, the Buckeyes were again pinned deep in their own territory.
Although Ohio State responded with their longest drive of the second half—56 yards—they were still forced to punt from Michigan’s 38-yard line, passing up a 56-yard field goal attempt that Michigan had just similarly made earlier in the game.
5. Jayden Fielding Misses a 34-Yard Field Goal (1:58, 3rd Quarter)
In what could have been a turning point for Ohio State, Caleb Downs made a highlight-reel interception to give the Buckeyes prime field position at Michigan’s 16-yard line. However, the offense faltered, gaining no yards on the next three plays. Fielding lined up for a 34-yard field goal attempt, but once again, the pressure proved too much, and he missed. The missed chip shot was a devastating blow as it could have given Ohio State the lead.
These five critical special teams mistakes underscored Ohio State’s failure to execute in key moments, squandering multiple chances to stay competitive. While fans may debate the offensive play-calling, the special teams' inability to pick up the slack and capitalize on the offense that was produced, played an equally pivotal role in this devastating loss.
Ultimately, Ohio State's 2024 defeat to Michigan will be remembered as one of the most disappointing in the long-standing rivalry. Special teams errors effectively sealed their fate, contributing to Michigan's fourth straight victory over the Buckeyes—a result that stings deeply for a program and fanbase not accustomed to losing streaks in this historic rivalry