It all comes down to this. It’s Week 13 of the college football season. That means it’s time for the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes to renew its annual rivalry, nicknamed The Game, as this rivalry is considered to most as the biggest rivalry in all of college football.
For the first time in a long time, The Game has a lot more meaning. Both teams are ranked in the top-5, something that hasn’t happened since 2016. This game will also decide who ends the regular season atop the Big Ten East, and who will go to Indianapolis and compete for the Big Ten Championship. In this college football preview, we’ll highlight each team, give three ‘Players to Watch’, and finish with my game prediction.
Ohio State
Over the last eight years, the Ohio State Buckeyes have claimed complete dominance versus their arch-rival Michigan. They’ve won eight straight, and will travel to Ann Arbor looking to make it nine in a row. Ohio State is 10-1 on the season, their lone loss coming at the hands of the Oregon Ducks in their home opening Week 2 game.
Offense
When the Buckeyes travel to Ann Arbor on Saturday, they’ll bring the #1 total offense in college football; ranking 6th in passing offense and 32nd in rushing.
A huge factor on how the game will play out for the Buckeyes is the play of True Freshman quarterback C.J Stroud. Aside from his horrendous passing accuracy early on, Stroud has become sensational throwing the football. He’s racked up 3,468 yards and 36 touchdowns this season, while only throwing five interceptions. His play thus far has earned him the honor of being the first ‘Player to Watch’ in this game. Will Stroud be able to keep his composure and utilize his great receiving core, or will he succumb to the relentless Michigan pass rush?
If we’re going to talk about C.J Stroud, we must also bring up the three-headed monster he has at his disposal at wide receiver. The trio of Jaxon Smith-Njigba Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson have accounted for over 2900 yards and 30 touchdowns. All of them rank inside the top-40 in receiving yards.
Freshman running back TreVeyon Henderson has rushed for just over 1000 yards this season, finding the endzone 14 times. Henderson has helped lead the Buckeyes get their 32nd ranked rushing offense. Despite his success, Henderson has only rushed for over 100 yards three times this season. If he can get going and pair with the lethal Buckeye passing attack, the Wolverines could be in for a long day.
Defense
The Buckeyes rank 44th in college football in total defense. They’re giving up an average of 19 points and 355 yards per game. Ohio State ranks 11th against the run, giving up 3 yards per carry and just over 100 per game. Their passing defense is ranked 98th in passing yards allowed, giving up 11 yards per completion and 252 per game. Will the young OSU defense step up to the task, or be their demise and lead to the first Michigan win in nearly a decade.
Michigan
It has been eight agonizing years since the Wolverine faithful have seen a win against their rivals from Columbus. To add to the already high stakes of this game, the Wolverines have tons of highly-rated recruits set to head to the big house and witness the game first hand. Could this be the year the Wolverines turn the tide and get a desperately needed, program-changing win over the Buckeyes?
Offense
The Wolverines come into this game ranking 24th in college football in total offense. They’re an abysmal 71st in passing offense, and an outstanding 15th in rushing.
At first glance (and with a passing ranking of 71st), you may think Michigan can’t throw the ball. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Junior quarterback Cade McNamara has become a game managing savant, throwing 14 touchdowns to only two interceptions. He’s amounted for 2142 yards and has been a great compliment to an elite Michigan rushing attack.
Michigan has been able to run the ball at will. They’ve rushed for over 2400 yards between a multitude backs this season. Out of all of them, Donovan Edwards is my second ‘Player to Watch’ in this game. Edwards great route running and hands were on full display this past Saturday, as Michigan defeated Maryland 59-18. Edwards racked up 10 receptions for 170 receiving yards and a touchdown. If the backs can put together a good game, I like Michigan being able to come out with the victory. Let see if the #6 rushing offense in college football is up to the task.
Defense
The Michigan Wolverines defense has had an elite pass rush that will need to cover up the inexperience in the back end.
These young defensive backs will be faced with trying to defend the lethal three-headed monster that is the Ohio State receiving core. The Buckeyes average 14 yards per completion, however, this Michigan defense is unlike years’ past. I believe the Wolverines match up fairly well, ranking 8th in the country in college football in passing yards allowed.
This Michigan front is fierce, led by Senior edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and Junior edge rusher David Ojabo. For my final ‘Player to Watch’, I’ll have to go with the veteran. Aidan Hutchinson has caused chaos, recording nine sacks and two forced fumbles this season. Will the son of Michigan legend Chris Hutchinson be able to follow in his father’s footsteps; or will he join the endless amount of seniors unable to beat That Team Down South.
Game Predictions
- C.J Stroud throws for 250 yards and two touchdowns
- Donovan Edwards has at least seven receptions and a touchdown
- Aiden Hutchinson record 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery
Final Score – Michigan 31, Ohio State 28
