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Rashan Gary: Michigan using controversial ending in 2016 as motivation

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

No one needs to remind Rashan Gary about what happened the last time Michigan traveled to the Horseshoe.

The 2016 meeting between Michigan and Ohio State turned into an instant classic. With both teams ranked in the top five, the game would head into double overtime before the Buckeyes scored a walk-off touchdown.

Unfortunately, Ohio State’s game was kept alive after converting a controversial 4th-and-1 while trailing in the second overtime period. It appeared that JT Barrett was stopped short of the line to gain, but the Buckeyes were awarded a first down to keep their game-winning drive alive.

Gary was a freshman on that 2016 squad, and he addressed that game Tuesday evening. He admitted a couple plays went sideways for the Wolverines, but it is the big fourth-down play that everyone remembers. He even said he and his teammates keep the play in the back of their minds for motivation:

“A couple plays went sideways, it’s just that one big play that everybody remembers,” said Gary. “I don’t want to talk about it, but everybody knows that play. That’s what I keep in the back of my head, and I know my brothers keep that in the back of their heads, to use as motivation going into the game.”

His reaction to the call while on the field? “Nah, it can’t be a first down.”

You can watch all of Gary’s comments below, courtesy of Angelique Chengelis:

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.