Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Refs Missed Clear Holding Call In Fourth Quarter Of Michigan-Ohio State Game

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Nov 30, 2024 5:34 PM ET

Kalel Mullings' 27-yard run in the fourth quarter was one of the biggest plays of Saturday's game between Ohio State and Michigan. But should the play have even counted?

Looking back at the sequence, it appears the Wolverines may have gotten away with a hold on that key third-down.

As noted by Andy Backstrom : "Yeah, looks like Ohio State DE Jack Sawyer got held here. But, still a missed opportunity for DT Ty Hamilton to make the tackle and undoubtedly a great run by Michigan RB Kalel Mullings. That was a 27-yard gain on 3rd-and-6."

Yeah, looks like Ohio State DE Jack Sawyer got held here. But, still a missed opportunity for DT Ty Hamilton to make the tackle and undoubtedly a great run by Michigan RB Kalel Mullings.

That was a 27-yard gain on 3rd-and-6. pic.twitter.com/GXVkVzGMFy
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) November 30, 2024

Mullings was the workhorse for Michigan in its massive upset win over Ryan Day's Buckeyes.

The senior RB carried the ball 32 times for 116 yards and a touchdown after Donovan Edwards got hurt and those runs helped control the clock and put UM in position to kick a go-ahead field goal with under a minute left.

There are always missed calls you can point to on any given play — especially in a rivalry game. However, that doesn't change the fact that the Buckeyes didn't make the plays they needed to throughout the game and their high-powered offense was held to just 10 points.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 21: Kalel Mullings #20 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates his game-winning touchdown over the USC Trojans at Michigan Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Obviously, the two missed field goals from within 40 yards also changed the outcome of the game. But when you're 20-point favorites over a five-loss team at home, it shouldn't have to come down to that.

This marks four straight losses for Coach Day to his program's most-hated rival. And despite a 66-10 record, you have to wonder if he'll be able to survive this.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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