The Ohio State Buckeyes returned to the pinnacle of college football on Monday night, triumphing over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a 34-23 victory to claim their first national championship since 2014. This win, a masterpiece in execution and resilience, was more than just a title—it was a resounding answer to critics who had begun to doubt head coach Ryan Day’s ability to lead Ohio State back to glory. Day’s commanding performance in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, where the Buckeyes went 4-0, seemed to silence whispers about his job security.
Quarterback Will Howard shone brightest in the national spotlight, delivering an unforgettable performance that solidified his place among Ohio State legends. Howard completed an astonishing 17-of-21 passes for 231 yards, tossing two touchdowns and decisively outplaying Notre Dame’s signal-caller, Riley Leonard. But just as the Buckeyes basked in the glow of their championship celebration, the rivalry with Michigan reared its head in dramatic fashion—this time, on social media.
Derrick Moore, the star Michigan Wolverines pass rusher, couldn’t resist taking a swipe at Ohio State after their monumental achievement. In a moment dripping with pettiness and rivalry-fueled sarcasm, Moore posted a simple, two-word reaction on Twitter: “Nobody cares.” The message, accompanied by three crying-laughing emojis, spread like wildfire, stoking the already blazing flames of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry.
Nobody cares😂😂😂
— Derrick Moore🎱 (@Big8DMoore) January 21, 2025
To add insult to injury, Moore’s post was retweeted by Rod Moore, Michigan’s standout safety who has played a pivotal role in the Wolverines’ dominance over Ohio State in recent years. Rod Moore, who famously sealed Michigan’s third straight victory over Ohio State in 2023 before missing the 2024 season due to injury, added fuel to the fire, making it clear that Michigan players weren’t about to let the Buckeyes enjoy their moment without a reminder of recent history.
The Wolverines have undeniably had the upper hand in the rivalry lately, winning four consecutive regular-season matchups against Ohio State. These victories have been a point of pride for Michigan fans and players alike, serving as a rallying cry to assert their dominance over their fiercest rival. Yet, while Michigan revels in its streak, the Buckeyes’ championship run has shifted the narrative.
Ohio State’s postseason journey was nothing short of miraculous. Finishing a disappointing fourth in the Big Ten standings after their most recent loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes seemed like an afterthought heading into the playoffs. But what followed was a display of grit and determination that will be remembered for generations. The Buckeyes roared through the playoffs, toppling heavyweight contenders and proving they belonged at the summit of college football. Their triumph marked the Big Ten’s second consecutive national championship, solidifying the conference’s growing dominance in the sport’s new era.
For Ryan Day, the national title was a career-defining moment. The coach who had been dogged by questions about his inability to beat Michigan flipped the script entirely, delivering Ohio State’s first championship in over a decade. While the sting of four straight losses to Michigan hasn’t faded entirely, the championship served as a powerful rebuttal to critics who questioned Day’s ability to lead the Buckeyes on the national stage.
But for Michigan, the rivalry remains as fierce as ever. Derrick Moore’s dismissive tweet was a reminder that, in the eyes of the Wolverines, Ohio State’s championship is secondary to their dominance in The Game. It was as if Moore was saying, “Win all the titles you want—we still own you in the rivalry.”
This back-and-forth has only added to the anticipation for the next chapter of the storied rivalry. With Ohio State now wearing the crown as national champions and Michigan clinging to their regular-season supremacy, the stakes for their next meeting couldn’t be higher. Will the Buckeyes finally break the Wolverines’ streak, or will Michigan continue to lord over their rivals despite Ohio State’s newfound glory?
One thing is clear: the rivalry has transcended the field and spilled over into every corner of college football fandom, social media included. As Derrick Moore’s two words continue to echo across the internet, the stage is set for another epic clash that could redefine the balance of power in this timeless feud. For now, though, the Buckeyes celebrate, the Wolverines mock, and fans on both sides eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling saga.
