Game To Watch: #2 Ohio State at #5 Michigan: November 27, 2021

Ohio State will travel to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan on Saturday at 12:00 EST. The Buckeyes have really hit their stride of late and are coming off a 56 – 7 home win against Michigan State that has their record at 10 – 1 overall and 7 – 0 in conference play. The Wolverines beat Maryland 59 – 18 last week, running their record to 10 – 1 overall and 6 – 1 in conference play. This is a winner take all type game, with the winner moving on to the Big Ten championship and the loser being effectively eliminated from playoff contention.

Recent History

Michigan is 58 – 51 – 5 all time against Ohio State, though the Buckeyes have dominated the series of late, winning all but two of the match-ups since 2001. The Buckeyes carry an eight game winning streak into the series, including a 56 – 27 win in 2019. Michigan’s last win in the series came in 2011 when they beat Ohio State 40 – 34 at home. Ohio State has won five of the last six meetings by double digits.

Top 25 Players

What To Watch For…

Can Ohio State’s Offense Perform Against a Good Michigan Defense?

Ohio State has the best offense in college football, leading the country with 47.2 points per game and 8 yards per play. After a slow start to the season, CJ Stroud has settled in at quarterback and is elevating his play and allowing the offense to reach it’s full potential. Despite the big numbers and success offensively, Ohio State has struggled offensively at times this year. They were limited to 28 points by Oregon, 33 by Penn State and 26 by Nebraska. In each of these three games the Buckeyes moved the ball well, but were not able to capitalize with touchdowns. Ohio State has to prove they can finish drives against a good defense. Michigan’s defense is ranked third in the Big Ten in scoring, allowing 16.3 points per game this year and fourth in yards per play at 4.7 yards per play allowed. They have held every opponent this year under 30 points except Michigan State with nine of the eleven scoring less than 20 points. This is a match-up of strength vs strength and both teams need to win it to dictate how the game is going to be played.

Does Michigan Have the Weapons to Keep Up?

Even if Michigan slows down the Ohio State offense, it’s unlikely they will completely shut the Buckeyes down. The Wolverines offense is going to have to find ways to attack the Ohio State defense and score enough points to win this game. They average 36 points per game led by a running game that is second in the Big Ten with 218 yards per game, averaging 5.1 yards per carry which ranks third in the conference. The passing attack has been solid as well, but has not been featured as much this year, ranking seventh in yards per game (229.5) but fourth in yards per attempt (8.1). Ohio State’s defense has been rebuilt over the course of the season. They allowed 33 points per game over the first two games and struggled to get stops on third down. Ryan Day shook up his defensive staff and the defense has made schematic changes which have led to a significant improvement. The defense now allows 19 points per game for the season and is particularly stingy against the run. The Buckeyes have held opponents to 102.3 rushing yards per game (2nd in the Big Ten) and 3.1 yards per carry (3rd in the Big Ten). That run defense sets them up well to take on the Wolverines rushing offense. Michigan will have to run the ball effectively and be efficient in the passing game to keep up with Ohio State on Saturday.

Michigan’s Pass Rushers Against Ohio State’s Offensive Line

Michigan’s defensive success has been driven by the pass rush they have gotten from Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo. Both players have accounted for 10 sacks each in the first 11 games of the season and have also combined for 15 QB Hurries. Their ability to create pressure and put the offense behind schedule takes pressure off the rest of the Michigan defense limits the opponents offense. Ohio State’s offensive line has been very good protecting the quarterback this year. They have given up a total of 13 sacks and 13 QB hurries over 11 games this season. The Buckeyes rotate six players on their offensive line and four of those six are traditional tackles. This rotation helps the Buckeyes protect the quarterback and provide time for their prolific passing attack to do damage. Ohio State needs to keep Hutchinson and Ojabo from wreaking havoc in the backfield and disrupting their offensive rhythm.

Prediction

Ohio State’s offense is as good as there is in college football this year, they will look to put pressure on Michigan early. Michigan will attempt to play physical and control the tempo of the game, limiting Ohio State’s offensive opportunities. Michigan has a good defense but it’s tough to keep the Buckeyes in check for four quarters, leading to an Ohio State win. Ohio State 38 Michigan 28.

Ohio State vs. Michigan football 2013 15 (Michigan on offense).jpg image taken by Michael Barera is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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