Analysis: Ohio State earned the CFP with yet another win in 'The Game'

"The Game" had everything this year: excellent defense, redemption for kicker Tyler Durbin, and a double-overtime finish. In the end, Michigan was unable to hold off Ohio State in OT thanks to a game-winning touchdown gallop by Curtis Samuel, as the Buckeyes earned a massive 30-27 victory.

Ohio State has now won 14 of the last 16 games in the series, and Urban Meyer improved to 5-0 against "The Team Up North," but it took every ounce of energy and strength for the Buckeyes to conquer their rivals this time.

For most of the game, Ohio State displayed the offensive inconsistency that has plagued it all season. The offensive line struggled at times to protect J.T. Barrett, and failed to open gaps for the running backs. But when the Buckeyes had their backs against the wall, they found a way to win, and, in many ways, the game symbolized the team's improbable rise.

Ohio State started the season as the youngest team in the country. It won on the road in both Norman and Madison against top-10-caliber opponents. Despite their inexperience, the Buckeyes met almost all challenges that arose, with the only real hiccup coming in the disappointing performance versus Penn State. Against Michigan, the Buckeyes displayed their resilience yet again, overcoming a pair of costly missed field goals and a failed fake punt attempt.

The win gives Ohio State its third signature victory of the season, with victories over Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Michigan, not to mention a 62-3 defeat of a Nebraska team that was ranked 10th at the time. Even if Penn State wins the division by beating Michigan State, the Buckeyes' impressive run has earned them an invitation to the College Football Playoff.

Meanwhile, it isn't more of the same for Michigan.

Yes, the Wolverines lost, but this year’s game was different. Instead of getting blown out like last season, they dominated a large chunk of the contest. Their offensive and defensive lines challenged the Buckeyes in ways they haven't been all season, and Wilton Speight outplayed Barrett for most of the contest.

All in all, this game symbolized why this is the best college football rivalry. It also illustrated why these two teams are among the nation’s elite thanks to their bruising defenses. As long as Jim Harbaugh and Meyer grace their respective sidelines, what’s to come is another series of close games that will keep fans on the edge of their seats for years to come.