The Game: Ohio State and Michigan Set for College Football Playoff Showdown
The stakes couldn’t be higher when No. 1 Ohio State (11-0) travels to face No. 15 Michigan (9-2) on Saturday, November 29th, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Bragging rights, an undefeated season, and coveted spots in the College Football Playoff are all on the line in what is arguably the most heated rivalry in college football.
Last year’s improbable upset victory by Michigan in Columbus remains fresh in the minds of both fanbases, but replicating that feat against a determined Buckeye squad will be a significant challenge. The Wolverines are aiming for their fifth consecutive win in the series – a feat not accomplished since the 1920s.
Ohio State arrives in Ann Arbor boasting the nation’s top-ranked defense, allowing a mere 7.6 points per game. This defensive prowess is the second-best mark by an FBS team over the last 30 years, presenting a formidable obstacle for Michigan’s offense. Leading the Buckeye attack are Heisman Trophy contenders Julian Sayin, who is on pace to set the FBS single-season record for completion percentage, and receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Michigan, undefeated at home, has faced limited competition from ranked opponents, with only one such contest against No. 18 Oklahoma on the road. Saturday’s contest marks the 50th time both teams have been ranked when facing each other – the most in the AP poll era, dating back to 1936. The Wolverines last defeated a No. 1 ranked team in 1984, overcoming Miami.
Key Questions Looming Over The Game
Ohio State’s Health: The Buckeyes will be closely monitoring the health of star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, who sat out last week’s win against Rutgers. While both are expected to play, coach Ryan Day indicated earlier this week that their status remains “day to day.” Smith and Tate are Ohio State’s top two pass catchers, with 902 and 711 receiving yards, respectively. Notably, Smith was limited to just 35 receiving yards in last season’s loss to Michigan.
Michigan’s Offensive Resilience: The Wolverines will be without star running back Justice Haynes, and even backup Jordan Marshall missed last week’s game. Despite these absences, Michigan still managed to score 45 points and accumulate 445 yards in a road victory at Maryland. Freshman Bryce Underwood has stepped up, throwing for over 200 yards in each of the last two games, both on the road. However, Michigan is 0-2 when held under 350 total yards of offense, a concerning statistic given Ohio State’s stingy defense, which allows only 206.6 yards per game. The key to Michigan’s offensive success will hinge on their strong offensive line’s ability to create running lanes against Ohio State’s stellar defensive front.
Beyond the X’s and O’s
Is Ryan Day Mentally Blocked by Michigan? A curious narrative has emerged surrounding Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s record against Michigan. He boasts an impressive 52-1 record in the Big Ten against all teams except Michigan, against whom he is 1-4. This pattern has led some to speculate whether Day possesses a psychological hurdle when facing the Wolverines.
Can Michigan Pressure Sayin? To disrupt Ohio State’s potent offense, Michigan must pressure quarterback Julian Sayin. He’s completing passes at a record-breaking rate, and with a talented receiving corps, the Wolverines cannot afford to allow him time to connect on deep throws. Edge rusher Derrick More, with 9.5 sacks and 28 quarterback pressures, will be crucial in this effort.
Playoff Implications for Michigan
The stakes extend beyond simply winning the rivalry. A victory over Ohio State would significantly bolster Michigan’s chances of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. Currently ranked No. 15 in the CFP rankings, a win against the previously undefeated Buckeyes would make it difficult to keep them ranked below 11th in the final rankings, opening the door to postseason contention.
How to Watch
Date: Saturday, November 29th
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Location: Michigan Stadium – Ann Arbor, Michigan
TV: FOX
Live Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Prediction and Picks
Picking this game is no easy task, and last season’s result serves as a cautionary tale against assuming a Buckeye victory, even on the road. While Ohio State’s defense is demonstrably better than last year’s unit, Michigan’s offense has shown recent signs of improvement. However, the Buckeyes’ defense is allowing barely over 200 yards per game, making a significant offensive output for Michigan a tall order. Experts advise against betting on the spread. The pick: Ohio State to win outright (SU). Legendary Vegas expert Bruce Marshall, with a 38-29 record on college football picks, offers further insights at SportsLine.
