Michigan LB Jaishawn Barham seems to headbutt referee during defeat to Ohio State

The rivalry between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 15 Michigan quickly grew heated in Ann Arbor this year. The intensity of Big Ten showdowns often tests players' composure, and emotions ran especially high during this matchup.

During a critical moment, Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham directed his head toward an official, resulting in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. This penalty gave Ohio State an additional set of downs at the goal line. The incident occurred after a Michigan tackle for loss on second-and-goal near Michigan's own end zone, when Barham appeared to make contact with the referee while exchanging words with him.

Barham, in his second season with the Wolverines after transferring from Maryland, came into the game ranked second on the team with four sacks and tied for sixth with 31 total tackles. He contributed to Michigans strong start, which included a game-opening field goal and another three points after intercepting Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin inside Buckeye territory.

Although Barhams penalty provided Ohio State with another first-and-goal opportunity, Michigan managed to hold the Buckeyes to a short field goal on that drive. Barham avoided ejection despite the incident.

Despite the early promise, Michigans defense could not contain Ohio State on the final drive of the first half and throughout the second half, ultimately losing 27-9. Sayin threw for 233 yards and three touchdowns, while the Buckeyes added 186 rushing yards. Michigans offense was limited to 163 total yards, ending the Wolverines four-game winning streak in this storied rivalry.

Author: Sophia Brooks