Michigan vs Ohio State: Game Information
No. 15 Michigan Wolverines (9-2) vs No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-0)
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov. 29th | 12 noon eastern
Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
Television: Fox
Rivalry: 121st time the two schools have played each other. Ohio State is a 10.5 favorite on Saturday
Michigan vs Ohio State: Injury Report
Michigan
Rod Moore: The Safety is out for the season
The medical staff has listed Max Bredeson as doubtful for the game.
Semaj Morgan, Ernest Hausmann, and Jordan Marshall are expected to play in this match.
Ohio State
The medical staff has listed Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith as questionable for the game.
Michigan vs Ohio State: Game Overview
The 121st edition of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry will take place when the Wolverines welcome the Buckeyes to Ann Arbor. The Buckeyes enter Ann Arbor with a spotless 11-0 record, while the Wolverines bring their 9-2 record to the table in their quest for College Football Playoff qualification. The Wolverines plan to achieve their fifth straight victory against the Buckeyes, while they will use their top recruits at The Big House to create a positive impact on both the playoff committee and upcoming college athletes. The Buckeyes need to maintain their winning streak because they must defend their number one position and regain control of their rivalry with the other team.
Prediction 1: Michigan Wins the Rushing Battle
The team that controls the rushing game has won every matchup between these two teams during the last 23 years. Michigan shows indicators that point to its rushing success continuing in the future. The Wolverines achieve more than 223 rushing yards per game through their four different players, who have reached 100 yards or more this season. The Wolverines maintain their physical identity through their offensive line, which creates running lanes and establishes control of the field.
The Buckeyes maintain an excellent defensive unit against running plays because they allow fewer than 80 rushing yards per game. The Buckeyes depend on their passing attack through quarterback Julian Sayin, who leads his receiving corps. The Wolverines can determine the game speed through ball control after they achieve successful running plays.
Prediction 2: Bryce Underwood Has at Least One Turnover
Bryce Underwood has shown excellent performance as Michigan’s freshman quarterback, but he sometimes makes forced passes when under defensive pressure. The Wolverines encountered major turnover issues, which endangered their chances of winning during their initial games of the season. The team turnover problems have improved, but the high stakes of this rivalry match could still lead to mistakes.
The Buckeyes’ defense has achieved 12 takeaways this season, which places them ninth in the Big Ten, but their secondary possesses athletic abilities to punish any inaccurate passes. Underwood came close to throwing an interception during his Maryland game, and the upcoming playoff elimination pressure will drive him to force passes, which could lead to negative results. The freshman quarterback, Bryce Underwood, will likely throw at least one interception during this game.
Prediction 3: Andrew Marsh Puts His Stamp on the Rivalry
Andrew Marsh established himself as one of the most promising Big Ten wide receivers after his outstanding first year of college football. The wide receiver leads the Big Ten conference in receiving yards since October 1 with 641 yards despite starting with zero receptions in the first four games of the season. Andrew Marsh has achieved four games with 75+ receiving yards and two games with 100+ yards while building strong passing chemistry with Bryce Underwood.
The Michigan Wolverines need to avoid their previous strategy from last season because they almost stopped passing the ball against Ohio State. The team should prevent this method from being used. The young receiver brings explosive play to the game through his ability to make big plays on deep passes and his skills in catching passes in challenging situations. The game provides Andrew Marsh with an opportunity to showcase his skills in front of college football fans and potential recruits who are watching the game.
Final Thoughts
Wolverines football will achieve success through their established running game, Underwood’s solid quarterback play, and occasional big plays from their young players. The Wolverines need to maintain their focus through strategic football play to defeat Ohio State because of their perfect record. The Wolverines will achieve a major season victory if they win the rushing battle, Underwood makes few mistakes, and Marsh delivers his explosive plays. The team that controls the running game has won the last 23 meetings between these teams.
Main Image: Brooke LaValley/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
