Records
Ohio State (11-0), Michigan (9-2)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Saturday, November 30
Game Time: Noon ET
Network: FOX
Venue: Michigan Stadium – Capacity: 107,601
All-Time Series: Michigan leads 58-50-6
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Michigan 62-39 in 2018
In a season that was supposed to finally be the year for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines to get over the hump, it’s been more of the same. Unfulfilled expectations.
On the other side, Ohio State was picked as low as fourth in the Big Ten with new coach Ryan Day taking over for Urban Meyer. However, the Bucks have just kept rolling with a high powered offense and a new look defense.
Michigan has been steadily improving as the regular season winds down. This isn’t the same team that squeaked by Army and got trucked by Wisconsin and TTUN would like nothing more than to knock the Buckeyes down a notch and give Harbaugh his first win over Ohio State.
This one is setting up to be an epic battle in the Big House. Throw the records out the window for The Game – it’s officially Michigan week!
Next … The game plan
Ohio State game plan for victory
It looked like Ohio State was going to speed past a top ten Penn State team last week until the turnover bug bit the Buckeyes. Weather most likely played a small factor, but the bottom line… you must protect the ball.
Turnovers kept the Nittany Lions in the game, but the Buckeyes showed some grit to play through adversity and come out on top. The Bucks won’t have the advantage of playing in front a friendly home crowd this week and you don’t want to give a team who’s salivating for an upset any extra confidence.
Offensively, just take care of the ball. Don Brown will have the Michigan defense ready to go, especially after being embarrassed in the ‘Shoe last year. But Ohio State has shown itself to be an offensive juggernaut. The Bucks could’ve realistically beat Penn State by 30 plus if not for coughing the ball up several times.
The offense will need to rely on workhorse back JK Dobbins to open up the passing game. Michigan gives up over 100 yards rushing per game, but sit only behind the Buckeyes in passing yards allowed. If Dobbins can get going, Justin Fields has plenty of options to throw the ball.
That being said, the offensive line will need to give Fields time. Thayer Munford seemed to have problems with Yetur Gross-Matos at times last week. Things won’t get any easier against UM sack specialist, Josh Uche, who has 8.5 sacks on the season.
Defensively, Ohio State will face a Wolverine offense that has been finding its stride in recent weeks. Shea Patterson still makes some questionable decisions, but he’s been finding Nico Collins more and more. Collins is averaging 20.9 yards per catch and has 7 touchdowns on the season.
Collins is an athletic freak and will be a load to handle coming in at 6′ 4″ and 222 pounds. The key will be getting pressure on Patterson and not allowing him to get comfortable in the pocket. Patterson can run, so the Bucks will need to stay disciplined and may even utilize a spy on Patterson with Malik Harrison.
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Next … The key players for Ohio State
Two Key Players For Ohio State
JK Dobbins, Runningback. Dobbins carried the load in the backfield against Penn State and did so with timely big runs. The O line has been opening up holes and Dobbins has been patient in finding them. The run game will need to be clicking on all cylinders once again to open up the passing game. JK is averaging 6.6 yards per carry, but will be challenged against Michigan’s front seven.
Shaun Wade, Defensive Back. Wade was tasked with hanging with KJ Hamler, Penn States big play maker and made the most of it. Hamler only had 3 receptions for 45 yards. Michigan has a trio of receivers that have a chance to play on Sunday and Wade will be asked to shut one down again. Shaun Wade gets overshadowed some by Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnett, but he quietly goes about his business and just gets the job done.
Next … How it’ll all do down
The prediction
It seems that each week Ohio State plays a ranked opponent, that particular opponent will be its toughest test to date. No different here as the Buckeyes travel to Ann Arbor.
Michigan players, coaches, and fans are tired of hearing how they can’t get past Ohio State. Who wouldn’t after nearly a two decade dominance? This Michigan team looks different to this point than recent teams of the past. No talk of “revenge tours” just improving week to week.
I expect this to be a good ‘ol fashioned Michigan Ohio State game, with hard hits and momentum changing sides several times.
This will be the second week in a row that the Buckeyes will have to show some resolve as things won’t be as easy as they have coming into the final stretch run. Justin Fields will face more pressure and will have to show more poise than he did against Penn State.
JK Dobbins and the offensive line will wear the Michigan defense down as the game goes into the fourth quarter. Chase Young and company will keep Shea Patterson guessing and get some key turnovers late in the game.
The Bucks win and take one step closer to another Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff run.
Final Score
Ohio State 34, Michigan 23
Line
Ohio State -9
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