Both the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines enter Saturday's game 10-1 overall looking to place first in their division of the Big Ten conference, win a shot at the Big Ten title, and be selected to play in the CFB Playoff. Ohio State enters the game a 7 point favorite on the road in Ann Arbor. Michigan has had a hard time playing Ohio State over the past two decades including the years the Buckeye's were coached by Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel.
Both teams have released their hype videos with Jim Harbaugh asking his players "What have you done today to beat Ohio State?".
The Game
Noon in Ann Arbor and televised on Fox, The Wolverines hope to reverse their fortune against the Ohio State Buckeyes who have had the best of them since 2004. With the way Ohio State beat ranked Michigan State last weekend, many are worried the game on Saturday could also be lopsided. The Buckeyes lost to Oregon the first week of the 2021 season while Michigan fell to Michigan State 37-33 on October 30th.
The teams were not able to play last year because the team from up north had lost too many players to Covid 19 quarantine to play. But now both teams are coming into The Game playing their best football of the year with the Wolverines winning three straight after their loss. Both teams coming into this game with a plan, knowing what they want to do on the field.
When Ohio State has the Ball
CJ Stroud has looked impressive after coming back from a one week break to rest his shoulder. Against Michigan State he threw for 6 touchdowns with 432 yards. Michigan's defense has been tough to beat this year ranking nationally seventh in points allowed and ninth in total yards allowed per game. Michigan will need to slow down Ohio State to keep the game close. If Ohio State can stop the pass run of Michigan and get the ball to their three 1,000 yard receivers, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba they should be in good shape.
When Michigan has the Ball
Michigan needs to run the ball, not become one dimensional, and not let Ohio State get a lead where Michigan needs to pass every down. If Michigan gets behind, then Ohio State's defensive line can come after the quarterback and we could see a similar game to last week against the Spartans. Cade McNamara is the key for Michigan, if he can have a good game and mix up the attack, the Wolverines can stay in the game.
Final Outcome
Ohio State's offensive is too productive to not cover the spread and should win this game by over 7 points. The Buckeye's have been virtually error free and their defensive turned the corner early, become just as good as most of the teams in the country. Michigan will have to find another bowl to play in after the missing the college football playoff once again.
The Best of B1G Today | Can Michigan Finally Break Through vs. The Buckeyes? | Nov. 23, 2021