“We’re Not Scared of Y’all”: Derrick Moore Reminds Ohio State Who Owns the Rivalry
Michigan’s Derrick Moore reflects on Ohio State’s pre-game antics before the Wolverines’ 13-10 victory in ‘The Game’
Ohio State’s confidence—some might call it arrogance—was on full display before the Nov. 30 kickoff against Michigan. As pre-game was winding down, Buckeye players gathered around Michigan’s sideline, trash-talking their rivals as they made their way to the locker room.
We all know what happened next.
Ohio State’s display, led by defensive end Jack Sawyer, amounted to nothing more than empty talk and bravado as Michigan stunned the Buckeyes and the college football world with a 13-10 upset in ‘The Game’.
Two months later, Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore shared what he and his teammates thought of Ohio State’s pregame behavior during an appearance on the “Blue by Ninety” podcast.
“They were just standing there, talking trash, staring at us. And we were like, ‘Who do y’all think you are? We’re not scared of y’all, not at all.’ When we got into the locker room, you could feel the energy,” Moore recalled.
The chirping has started!
Stay till the end for Jack Sawyer getting fired up.
THE GREATEST RIVALRY IN ALL OF SPORTS pic.twitter.com/Hh56bdg7Zv
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) November 30, 2024
Ohio State’s confidence had the opposite effect of what they hoped for. Instead of intimidating Michigan, it motivated the Wolverines even more.
“Everyone was hyped—everyone, even the coaches,” Moore said. “It felt like the game was already at halftime, but it was pregame. When we came out of the tunnel, there was no turning back. The music was blasting, and you looked around at your brothers. We were walking into enemy territory, and it felt like, ‘Yeah, this is it.’
“Playing in that stadium just feels different. It felt like such a great moment. From the first snap, we knew we had them.”
That confidence carried through the entire game, even in challenging moments, like when Michigan quarterback Davis Warren threw an interception near the goal line with the game tied at 10.
Despite the setback, Moore said Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann rallied the defense.
“He gathered everyone and said, ‘This is our moment. We don’t care about the interception. We’re not blaming the offense. We’re going to go out there and get the ball back for them,’” Moore recalled.
“Right then, I looked around, and nobody was worried or pointing fingers. We were all locked in, committed to getting the ball back for the offense. And that’s exactly what we did.”
Michigan’s defense forced a three-and-out, giving the ball back to the offense for the game-winning drive. Wolverine kicker Dominic Zvada kicked a 21-yard field goal with 45 seconds remaining to put Michigan ahead for good.
“I remember when I came back to the sideline, [running back] was like, ‘We got y’all, man. We’re gonna make sure we get this in the end zone.’ They didn’t score, but one thing about Zvada is, he’s gonna make it happen.”
When Michigan took the field for Ohio State’s final drive, Moore said the team gathered one last time.
“We just said, ‘This is our last chance, man. Let’s make it special. Don’t let them get anything.’”
Ohio State managed just one yard on their final four plays. Before that last play, Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale called a timeout to remind the defense of their preparation.
“The play before the last play, Coach Wink called a timeout. He had been telling us all season, we’re built for this moment. This year is different. He just said, ‘Y’all are ready for this moment. Now go out there and get the stop so we can get out of this trash stadium.’”
Michigan’s defense delivered, and the Wolverines planted their ‘Block M’ flag at midfield in ‘The Shoe,’ leaving Columbus with their fourth straight win over Ohio State.
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