Author: Max Mcclean
Commonly known as "The Game," the clash between the Ohio State University Buckeyes and the University of Michigan Wolverines is the most anticipated game in college football. Often hailed as the greatest rivalry in North American sports, its enduring history and the game's high stakes underscore its importance. Michigan is riding a three-game winning streak in the series against the Buckeye. In that span, Michigan won three straight Big Ten titles, made three College Football Playoff appearances and last year went 15-0, capturing a national championship. This year is different, the 10-1 Ohio State opened as a 23.5-point betting favourite for its regular season finale against Michigan.
This Michigan team is not nearly the same as any of the last three years, they sit at 6-5 and unranked for the first time since the 2020 Covid season. This was to be expected for a team that had lost their head coach Jim Harbaugh and 15 impact starters to the NFL. The 10-1 Buckeyes are a completely different story, they have been rolling this season, landing at No. 2 in the latest AP Poll. Their only loss this season came on the road against top-ranked Oregon, and have compiled impressive top-5 wins against Penn State and Indiana. This year marks the 120th edition of “The Game” and it will certainly prove to be entertaining.
Michigan Unranked (6-5, Eighth BIG10)
While Michigan has faced disappointment this season, finding themselves in a lull following last year's national championship victory, "The Game" still holds immense significance for the coaches, fans, and players.
Michigan's recent 50-6 win over Northwestern showcased their potential, but their inconsistent quarterback play remains a concern as they prepare to face Ohio State. The team has struggled to move the ball downfield, rotating between Davis Warren, Alex Orji, and Jake Tuttle, before settling back on Warren, whose lack of experience against ranked opponents is worrisome as Michigan goes up against No.2 Ohio State. With their only ranked win coming against USC largely due to a dominant running game, Michigan must adapt by stabilizing Warren's performance, preventing interceptions that led to the original benching of Warren early in the season.
If Michigan hopes to put points on the board against Ohio State, they will need to rely heavily on their ground game. This strategy has proven successful in the past: in 2021, Michigan ran for 297 yards with running back Hassan Haskins scoring five touchdowns in a 42-27 victory. In 2022, they amassed 252 rushing yards, with current starter Donovan Edwards contributing 216 yards while filling in for an injured Blake Corum. Last year, Michigan continued their ground dominance with 156 yards and two touchdowns. This season, Kaleel Mullings has been a key player, rushing for 832 yards and 11 touchdowns on 153 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, he's come back down to earth after his 8.4 YPG half way through the season. Donovan Edwards has also been effective, adding 578 yards and four touchdowns on 124 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and has the explosiveness to rip off long runs just like we saw at the Horseshoe in 2022.
The other key to success for Michigan this Saturday will be their defense, headlined by projected top picks Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. They will face an Ohio State offensive line struggling with injuries, particularly to Josh Simmons and starting center Seth McLaughlin, making the interior line a significant concern. Michigan can exploit this weakness to pressure quarterback Will Howard. Additionally, edge rusher Josiah Stewart has been impressive, ranking second in the Big Ten with 8.5 sacks and fourth with 13 tackles for loss. With the best cornerback in the nation, Will Johnson likely out Saturday, the pressure will be on for Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry, and the rest of the secondary to step up against Ohio State's talented receiving corps. The defensive line's ability to pressure Howard will be even more crucial, as it can help mitigate the impact of Johnson's absence by disrupting the passing game.
Michigan's path to victory against Ohio State hinges on their ability to dominate the ground game and leverage their defensive strengths. With a proven track record of successful rushing attacks in past matchups, they will rely on standout performances from Kaleel Mullings and Donovan Edwards. Defensively, Michigan must capitalize on Ohio State's weakened offensive line by applying relentless pressure, particularly from Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josiah Stewart. If Michigan can execute, they stand a strong chance of securing a significant upset in their long storied rivalry.
Ohio State No.2 (10-1, Second BIG10)
If you strip down all the emotion and pageantry this is as easy a game on the schedule for Ohio State. The Wolverines’ offense has been unable to put together sustained drives, and with their ground game, though solid, facing a formidable Buckeye front seven, it’s hard to see them breaking through. Ohio State has the chance to run away with this one, something they're desperately looking to do after dropping three straight in the series.
The Ohio State defense ranks 1st nationally in points allowed per scoring opportunity (2.47) and in Red Zone touchdown rate (36%). The Buckeyes have allowed only 8.6 points per game in their 10 victories, showcasing their defensive dominance. With Michigan averaging just 20.4 points per game—an inflated number following their 50-point win over Northwestern—it would be surprising if they scored more than 20 against Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ primary focus will be containing Kaleel Mullings and Donovan Edwards. If Ohio State is able to shut down the run with the efforts of Tyleik Williams and five-star senior Jack Sawyer—who has something to prove after failing to beat Michigan in his first four years—Michigan will struggle to generate enough offense to challenge the Buckeyes' defense.
Will Howard has been impressive in his first season with the Buckeyes, particularly in the Red Zone, throwing 16 touchdowns on just 32 pass attempts—the best pass attempts per touchdown rate among Power Five quarterbacks. It certainly helps to have targets like Jeremiah Smith, who has 899 yards on 52 receptions, averaging 17.3 yards per reception, the 6th-best among qualified Power 5 skill players. Additionally, Emeka Egbuka, who decided to stay another year at Ohio State rather than going to the NFL, has been a standout performer, tying for first in the Big Ten with Smith with nine touchdowns on the year. Michigan’s defense will bring a tough task, they have allowed just 10.8 yards per reception this season (25th in FBS). However with Will Johnson likely out and defensive backs Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry struggling in the secondary Ohio State should be able to rip the ball downfield and pile it on Michigan.
The Ohio State offensive line has had to replace three starters since the start of the season, something that is somewhat unprecedented. This comes after left tackle Josh Simmons was lost for the year due to a knee injury and his replacement, Zen Michalski, also went down with an injury. Then starting center Seth Mclaughlin went down recently, leaving the Buckeyes to make multiple shifts to compensate. They were able to survive last week not giving up a single sacks but questions still remain as the team prepares for this critical matchup against a Wolverine pass rush that has dominated them recently.
Ohio State appears to have the clear advantage heading into this matchup. With Michigan averaging only 20.4 points per game and facing a Buckeye defense that allows under 9 points per game in victories, it’s hard to see them breaking through. Ohio State’s defense, led by a strong front seven, should be able to neutralize Michigan’s run game and limit their scoring opportunities.
Key Players
RB Kalel Mullings is having a breakout season. The converted linebacker has rushed for 832 yards and 11 touchdowns. He carried the ball 12 times for 92 yards (7.7 yards-per-carry) in Michigan's 50-6 win over Northwestern last week.
WR Emeka Egbuka has compiled 692 receiving yards and nine TDs this season. Last week he had seven catches for 80 yards and a touchdown in Ohio State's 38-15 win
Prediction
Ohio State is the favorite with their dominant defense and explosive offense, especially against Michigan’s struggling passing game. Ohio State’s weapons like Jeremiah Smith and TreVeyon Henderson could overwhelm Michigan’s defense, and their Red Zone efficiency is tough to beat. However, Michigan’s ground game with Mullings and Edwards, along with their defense’s ability to make key stops, will keep them in the game. In the end, Michigan will run the damn ball and come away with a shocking victory.