Soldiers from the 16th Engineer Brigade practice their "trash talk" at Camp Liberty, Nov. 16, 2009 in preparation for one of the biggest games of the year in college football, the University of Michigan vs. The Ohio State University. (Photo courtesy of Multi-National Division Baghdad) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Looking Forward To Michigan Versus Ohio State Football

We spoke to Michael Spath from TheWolverine.com to get the inside scoop on Ohio State's yearly battle with Michigan, which takes place at noon on Saturday.

Ohio State Football have averaged forty-nine points per game, and 531 yds. of total offense. Urban Meyer seems to have given the Buckeyes a new lease of life, with regards to their offensive fortitude. What can Michigan do to counteract this?

Over the past four weeks, Michigan's defense has worked surprisingly well, and this has boosted team morale considerably. The issue is that the offense has done very little, so the defense loses its' way. This was evident during the fourth quarter versus Nebraska, Iowa and Michigan State.

However, for at least one half of Saturday's game, and possibly more (providing the offense can circumvent the three and outs which are hindering it), the defense may give OSU something to think about. This is due to the Wolverines' proven track record in stopping the run. Each week, I believe that this is the match strategy versus the Buckeyes, although putting it into practice has been difficult.

I don't think Ohio State have faced a better front seven since Iowa. They face a similar challenge next week at Michigan State. The Maize and Blue will sell out to halt Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde, and allow Miller to win this match using his arm. Clearly, he is capable of this and the risk might backfire, however Michigan has to do it, because it is their only realistic chance of victory.