It’s finally Michigan Week and now we’re just hoping that somehow the greatest rivalry in all of sports will somehow be played. The Wolverines had to cancel with Maryland last week due to COVID concerns and now the annual showdown is in jeopardy.
Michigan is coming into the game a team in shambles. A season that started out with such promise has quickly turned sour. And Jim Harbaugh’s seat is about as hot as it could be right now, with added rumors of the head coach leaving for the NFL. It’s all led to the Buckeye’s being a 30 point favorite.
I always contend records can be thrown out of the window when it comes to rivalry games. Ohio State is clearly the better team and the class of the Big Ten, but anything can happen when it comes to The Game.
NEXT … Records and broadcast information
Record
Ohio State (5-0), Michigan (2-4)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Saturday, December 12
Game Time: Noon EST
Network: FOX
Venue: Ohio Stadium – Capacity – 104,944 (no fans permitted due to COVID-19 restrictions)
All-Time Series: Michigan leads 58-51-6
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Michigan 56-27 in 2019
Next … The game plan
Ohio State game plan for victory
The Buckeyes are just two games away from making the Collge Football Playoff. Of course, the Bucks may get in with only playing six games, but the national outcry will be loud if that happens.
Ohio State is a team on the move, heading in the right direction. Even missing three starters on the offensive line, the Buckeyes looked like a well oiled offensive machine. Justin Fields was back to his Heisman caliber self. OSU may not need Fields to be at his absolute best to beat Michigan, but his best is needed to continue to impress the CFP if the Bucks want a seat at the table.
Defensively, Michigan offers no real threats. We thought Joe Milton might be that guy coming into the season, but that ship has quickly sailed. The Wolverines have moved onto Cade McNamara who showed some flashes in a triple-overtime win against Rutgers, but couldn’t seem to find his footing against winless Penn State. To be fair, Michigan had several opt-outs and injuries that have factored into their sub-par season.
Next … The key players for Ohio State
Two Key Players For Ohio State
Chris Olave – Wide Receiver: Chris Olave first made a name for himself in the Michigan game two years ago when the Buckeyes effectively shut down the “revenge tour”. Olave hasn’t stopped making waves since. In what is likely his last game in Ohio Stadium, Olave will look to leave a lasting impression as one of the best receivers ever to wear the Scarlet and Gray.
Justin Fields with a DIME to Chris Olave 😍 pic.twitter.com/RJ1cAhFiSx
— Barstool OSU (@BarstoolOSU) December 5, 2020
Jonathan Cooper – Defensive End: If Ohio State gave out senior superlatives, Jonathan Cooper would be voted “most school spirit”. Cooper loves being a Buckeye and you can see it with the passion he brings each and every Saturday. In his final contest against Michigan, Coop will bring double the energy getting after Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara.
Start your week with a quick Jonathon Cooper reel.@JonathonCooper7 | @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/snW2tbfxFf
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) July 20, 2020
Next … How it’ll all go down
The prediction
Ohio State has everything to play for when it takes the field on Saturday against its arch-rival. However, don’t underestimate a Michigan team on the ropes when all they have to play for is to ruin the Buckeye’s season.
Ah… who am I kidding? I don’t think Michigan has a chance in this one. Ohio State is focused and they know what they need to do. They may just hang a hundred on the Wolverines just to prove a point.
At the end of the day, Michigan doesn’t show much fight, Jim Harbaugh moves to 0-6 against his hated rival, and the Buckeyes earn another pair of gold pants.
Final Score
Ohio State 63, Michigan 17
Line
Ohio State – 29.5 (Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.)
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