Michigan football star somehow avoids being ejected after headbutting official in rivalry clash with Ohio State

Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham stunned fans when he shockingly headbutted an official during Saturday's game. 

Tensions were running high during the Wolverines' heated rivalry clash against Ohio State and the frustrations boiled over for Barham. 

Yet, instead of taking it out on his opponents, the linebacker shockingly turned on the official and headbutted him during the first quarter.

After the Wolverines forced a third-and-goal from the five-yard line, Barham was caught speaking to the referee when he suddenly lowered his head and shoved his helmet into the official's nose. 

He was immediately flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, resulting in an automatic first down for Ohio State at the Michigan two-yard line. 

The penalty could have been disastrous for the Wolverines, but Michigan still managed to force the Buckeyes into settling for a field goal. 

But it could have been a whole lot worse for Barham as he miraculously avoided being ejected from the game. 

According to the NCAA rulebook, 'intentionally contacting an official' results in an 'automatic ejection.' It is unclear why officials chose not to eject Barham on Saturday. 

Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports speculated that Barham's headbutt was a result of his attempt to show the official what an Ohio State plater did to him. 

Michigan got on the board first with two field goals before Ohio State retaliated with one of their own. 

However, it went down hill from there for Michigan as the Buckeyes hit back with three touchdowns throughout the second and third quarters to head into the fourth quarter with a 24-9 lead. 

Following Texas A&M's upset loss to Texas on Friday night, Ohio State is one of only two remaining undefeated teams along with Indiana. 

Meanwhile, on the midst of his second season at Michigan after transferring from Maryland, Barham entered the weekend with 31 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and four sacks on the year.