Rivalry Week Reckoning: Michigan–Ohio State for All the Marbles
After 13 weeks of grueling, entertaining, and unique football we have made it to rivalry week. It feels as if the season had just started yesterday but, for most teams, that's the mindset you have to have going into this weekend. You can disregard all of the games that have been played this season because rivalry week usually includes chaos, heartbreak, and things nobody can predict. The stakes are at an all time high as teams are looking to clinch playoff berths and conference title appearances. All conference title spots are still available in the power 4 as teams have yet to clinch.
“The Game” also known as the Michigan vs Ohio State matchup is said to be the biggest rivalry in all of sports. Both teams are competing for a spot in the Big 10 championship game as well as a spot in the playoffs. The rivalry has taken a turn in recent years as the Wolverines have had the upper-hand the last four seasons despite being underdogs in three of those matchups. The rivalry is so strong that this game is a measurement of success for a season. Many fans would rather have a victory in this game than a national title.
KEYS FOR SUCCESS
The Michigan Wolverines need to have the same game plan against the Buckeyes as they had the previous four seasons. “Michigan football” which means wear the opposition down with physicality and take over the game late. The Wolverines have had the upper-hand when it comes to the rushing attack in the past couple of seasons which allows them to dictate the game. Their running game is elite as they are averaging 5.59 yards per carry. Trick plays have always been a big factor in this matchup as they have been able to use them in certain situations. Bryce Underwood has to be efficient but smart with the football, get a couple of first downs with his arm or legs and keep the game close. The Wolverines will have to win the turnover battle and take points whenever they are available. Defensively, UM needs to be able to limit the explosive plays from the Buckeyes as they rely heavily on their passing attack. If they are able to control the time of possession and keep the score close they will have a chance to win this game for the fifth year in a row.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to end the losing streak against the Wolverines by doing the complete opposite of what they have done the past four seasons. They need to play to their strength, which is the passing game. Last season, after the tough loss against UM, the Buckeyes looked like a completely different team and were able to move the ball at will in the playoffs. It should be much the same this weekend. Ryan Day has had the tendency to overthink “The Game” and past statistics instead of playing to his team's strengths. OSU needs to get out to an early lead and utilize their best assets. Julian Sayin holds the best completion percentage in the country (79.4%). If Sayin is able to be efficient and get the ball to his highly regarded receivers they have a great chance of scoring touchdowns. The Buckeyes left lots of points on the field in this game last season as they were only able to reach the endzone one time. Redzone efficiency will have to be the key for Ohio State moving forward into the weekend. Defensively, the Buckeyes need to be stout at stopping the run. Going into the game they have been excellent at stopping the run only giving up 78.6 yards per game. They have been burned on trick plays throughout the years which has been due to a successful rushing attack from Michigan. Ohio State will have to dictate the game from the opening kick while playing their style of football. The Buckeyes don’t have to prove anything about toughness to win this game.
PREDICTION
Last season, the Buckeyes were able to learn and grow from the loss. They were able to use the loss as motivation to win the national championship. I believe Ryan Day has figured out a winning recipe as the Buckeyes have been dominant ever since. Weather can be a slight factor as the forecast is predicting snow and cold temperatures. Both teams are coming into this game with some injury questions but, I believe Ohio State gets over the hump this season and wins by a couple of scores. Michigan is a young developing team and it will show as Ohio State will be out for revenge.
