Ask the nation what the greatest rivalry in college football is and depending on what part of the country you’re in, you could get a couple different answers. But as you scour the country there is one answer you can find almost anywhere, and only one answer is known as “The Game.”
The No.9 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-2, 7-1 Big Ten) travel to Ann Arbor this Saturday to take on the Michigan Wolverines (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten).
This game means a lot to both teams but for two very different reasons.
Ohio State sits at No.9 in the nation and although they will be playing Wisconsin for a Big Ten championship in two weeks, they still have an outside chance of making the playoff by winning out and getting some help.
The Wolverines are out of any championship hunt, but the opportunity to play spoiler to Ohio State would ease the pain of this season and give them a positive to end on. It also would also restore some respectability to “The Game” as they have lost five straight to the Buckeyes and 12 out of the last 13 games.
“We haven’t beat these guys in a while, nobody on this team has a win against (Ohio State),” Michigan safety Tyree Kinnel said this week. “It starts to get old when you don’t win.”
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was brought in to bring respect back to the Michigan program, and although he has once again made them relevant, his 1-4 record against Michigan State and Ohio State looms over him. And coach Harbaugh is well aware of his record.
“The record is what the record is,” Harbaugh said. “Well aware of what the record is against Michigan State and Ohio State, we’re 1-4. The record [against] all other opponents is 23-3. We know what the records are.”
The best chance for Harbaugh to start to turn that record around may not even play. The Wolverines offense has started to show signs of life after making a switch to recently named starter Brandon Peters. Peters left last week’s game against Wisconsin due to a concussion. Reports say Peters is progressing and could be cleared in time for the game.
Even though Ohio State has its eyes set on a Big Ten and possibly National Championship they understand the importance of this game on its own. The week Ohio State plays the Wolverines no one utters the name “Michigan” and all “M’s” go missing in Columbus.
“The rivalry is not a one-week deal,” said coach Urban Meyer. “It’s in your blood and in your DNA.”
Senior quarterback JT Barrett will be playing his last game against Michigan and is looking forward to heading the Ann Arbor one last time.
“I don’t think it’s going to be pleasant,” Barrett said. “I’m pretty sure they’re going to hate me. You got to learn to love the hate. I like being hated sometimes. I don’t mind it. They hate us anyway.”
Ohio State center echoed Barrett’s sentiments when speaking about his leader.
“He’s a competitor. He’s one of the greatest competitors in college football right now,” Brice said. “Again, go ahead, bring on the hate. It is a rivalry.”
What: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines When: Saturday November 25, 2017 at 12:00 ET Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan Watch: FOX Spread: OSU -12 Over/Under: 50 Money Line: OSU -460, UM +385
It's a rivalry that spans the course of over a century.
They first played in 1897 and since then have battled 112 times. In 2000, ESPN ranked "The Game" as the greatest North American sports rivalry.
In 2006 they played the "Game of the Century" as no. 1 ranked Ohio State beat no. 2 ranked Michigan 42-39. And while Michigan leads the all-time series, Ohio State has won 11 of the last 12 meetings.
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer understands the magnitude of "The Game." During this week the word "Michigan" is never mentioned.
"I'm very biased and I'm very respectful of all rivalries, but I grew up in the 70's and this was a time when Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes had two programs that were at the top of the food chain," said Meyer. "What I remember and what I make perfectly clear to our players is the amount of respect that I learned in this rivalry from those two great coaches was real."
This Saturday the no. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) will host the no. 3 ranked Michigan Wolverines with National and Big Ten championship hopes on the line.
Looking at the stats these teams are as close as you would expect out of a 2 and 3 matchup. Ohio State is scoring 43.8 points per game while Michigan posts 42.3. The Wolverines give up 10.9 ppg with the Buckeyes allowing 13. Add to those numbers less than 50 yards difference in total yards posted and allowed and you have the making of a game for the ages.
Even the best player on each team are alike in that they are do-it-all playmakers for their teams.
Jabrill Peppers is in the Heisman discussion and with a big performance could be the first defensive player to win the award since another Wolverine defensive back, Charles Woodson. Peppers will return kicks and have his share of snaps on offense along with lining up all over the field on defense.
Ohio State H-back Curtis Samuel will look to break a couple big plays as he has done all year for the Buckeyes. Samuel has displayed a tremendous balance to his game gaining over 600 yards rushing and receiving for the Buckeyes along with 7 touchdowns on the ground and 7 through the air as well. He will have his work cut out for him as Michigan will come to the Shoe with the best defense Ohio State has faced all season.
For Michigan a win would give them a divisional championship and send them to Indianapolis for a shot at their first Big Ten championship since 2004. If they won the Big Ten championship they would lock up a place in the college football playoff and go on for a chance at a national championship.
Ohio State's path to a national title is actually more promising than their shot at a conference championship. The Buckeyes would need to win this weekend and then hope for Michigan State to beat Penn State to get a shot at a Big Ten championship in Indianapolis. But even if Penn State wins, the fact that the playoff committee has the Buckeyes ranked no.2 means a win against the no.3 team in the country would make it very difficult to leave Ohio State out of the four-team playoff.
"The Game" has more than just bragging rights on the line this year. Michigan is finally back to relevancy after a long layoff filled with losing seasons and multiple coaches. They've quickly put themselves back among the elite in college football after bringing in Jim Harbaugh. And while Michigan looks to build on a season that has them back in the national picture, Ohio State will try to continue as one of college footballs most successful programs since Urban Meyer was named head coach.
Personally as an Ohio State fan the rivalry with Michigan has lost a lot of its luster. Part of it was how bad the Michigan program had become, and part of it was a renewed rivalry between Meyer and Alabama coach Nick Saban. But with coach Harbaugh leading the Michigan program there is no doubt that they are back, and so is the greatest rivalry in college football.
What: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines When: Saturday November 26, 2016 at 12:00 PM ET Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio Watch: ABC
A fan's perspective and overall view of the 2006 meeting between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines on the game's 10 year anniversary.
INTRODUCTION
"The Game of the Century"
I've often hated it whenever a big game gets labeled that for two reasons. The first being that having multiple games being called "the game of the century" seems unoriginal since game of the century implies that there's only one. And second, hyping up a game as the best game of the century usually is build up for a let down. Normally the game doesn't live up to the hype and calling it the game of the century looks foolish in hindsight. But on November 18, 2006 college football was given a game that was more than worthy of being called the game of the century. It lived up to the hype, it delivered on a grand stage and it deserved the label.
The 103rd meeting of the greatest rivalry in sports, the #2 Michigan Wolverines played the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes in the biggest game of their rivalry. The first time ever that they came into this game ranked #1 and #2 and first time since 1973 that both teams were undefeated going into their annual regular season finale. It was the perfect storm, 2 rivals playing for the highest stakes, those stakes being an outright Big Ten championship and a trip to play for the BCS National Championship.
NOVERMBER 11TH
"It's happening!"
Those were the 2 words that every Michigan and Ohio State fan had as the realization set in that both teams will be 11-0 heading into "The Game." Both teams played at 3:30 on November 11th, as fans kept one eye on their team and one eye on their rival. Ohio State disposed of Northwestern 54-10 while Michigan rolled over Indiana 34-3, setting up the biggest game of this 103 year old rivalry. After both games were finished, ESPN announced that College Gameday would be live from Columbus, OH to cover this showdown.
The hype had begun, the countdown was on, the following Saturday was going to be something special.
NOVEMBER 12TH-16TH
The emotions between both fanbases was off the charts. Ohio State-Michigan week is always crazy, but this week was something else. Fans wore their team colors all week, the amount of smack talk was unreal, it just seemed like everyone's life went on timeout while we just focused solely on this upcoming game. We all were just waiting for Saturday, and spent every waking hour before then talking about the game as a way to pass time. It's really tough to put into words just how electrifying the build-up was and living in the midst of it was something special. It felt like the momentum leading up to this game could in no way ever be derailed...
NOVERMBER 17TH
And then, around noon time on November 17th, the rivalry stopped. The University of Michigan, with heavy hearts, announced that Bo Schembechler had passed away on the eve of the Michigan-Ohio State game.
The mood was as somber as it gets, from both sides of the rivalry. Michigan went into mourning, Ohio State wasn't far behind. Michigan cried, and Ohio State lent their shoulder to cry on and even cried some themselves. It was heartbreaking but also so surreal, seeing the game stop and everyone come together. I, personally, made the necessary calls and texts to my Michigan friends and family and even needed a moment to gather myself as I took in the tough news and then one thought that I will remember forever popped into my head:
"As tough it is to lose someone who meant so much to this rivalry, Bo Schembechler will now get to watch his Michigan Wolverines play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the most important game ever in this rivalry from the best seat in the house...up in heaven, watching the game from above and seated right next to his best friend...Woody Hayes."
Bo Schembechler was a legendary coach and an even a better man, and Michigan will always love him for that. Bo Schembechler was also a great foe that took the rivalry to new heights during the "10 year war", and Ohio State will always respect him for that.
NOVEMBER 18TH
We have reached game day.
Normally, OSU-UM is like Christmas, it's tough to sleep the night before the game, you wake up early and can't go back to sleep, then it's just full on anticipation until the opening kick off. This year was different, many of us were still reeling from the loss of Bo and the 3:30 start time instead of the traditional noon kickoff made it drag. I know that in my lifetime, probably sooner than later, this game will become a staple at either 3:30 or 8pm because there's just too much money going around to keep this at a noon start. I will hate it though, not because I consider myself a traditionalist but that wait to noon seems long enough, I'll just continue to hope this remains a noon start as long as I can.
It wasn't until the Senior day announcements where I really started feeling hyped up. Especially when senior QB and Heisman leader Troy Smith was announced, the crowd got so crazy seeing him put his hand up in the air and scuffing his feet like a bull about to charge as he got set to run onto the field. That was the moment that I really felt the magnitude of the moment, where watching a #1 vs #2 match-up between rivals made me realize how special this was.
As the camera panned both sidelines, they showed all the big name players and the amount of talent that both teams had was just incredible. Chad Henne, Jake Long, Mike Hart and Mario Manningham on one side, Troy Smith, Tedd Ginn Jr, Antonio Pittman and Anthony Gonzalez on the other, not to mention 2 of the better coaches of the last decade or so in Lloyd Carr and Jim Tressel.
Every emotion seemed present for both Ohio State and Michigan fans as the opening kick off gets underway, a mere 3 hours or so away from finding out which team will become victorious and head to the BCS title game.
1ST QUARTER
Ohio State won the coin toss and elected to defer, and a touchback starts Michigan at their own 20. Michigan, led by QB Chad Henne, drove down the field with ease on their first possession, capping it off with a 1 yard TD run by Mike Hart to take a 7-0 lead. A big statement was made by the Wolverines on that drive, momentarily silencing a sold out crowd at Ohio Stadium.
The Buckeyes responded though, with a pass heavy attack to drive down the field and also score a touchdown on their first possession. QB Troy Smith found WR Roy Hall on a 1 yard TD pass for the score and we have a tie game at 7-7.
Both offenses then sputtered and punted on their next possessions, as the 1st quarter came to a close.
2ND QUARTER
After a second straight punt by Michigan's offense, OSU RB Beanie Wells took a handoff and broke free for a 52 yard TD run. Only a true freshmen at the time, Wells had his first signature moment of many in this rivalry as the Buckeyes now take a 14-7 lead.
Michigan, unable to capitalize on a 15 yard personal foul, was forced to punt for the 3rd straight possession but pinned the Buckeyes back at the 9 yard line.
Though they were way back at their own 9 yard line, the Buckeyes carved up Michigan's defense in just 4 plays for another score. Troy Smith scrambled and found WR Brian Robiskie down the field for a 40 yard gain, then hit Ted Ginn Jr. for a 39 yard touchdown. The Buckeyes now have a 21-7 lead.
Michigan, desperate for a score, got some help on the next drive by a pass interference call that kept their drive alive. They took advantage of it as Chad Henne found Adrian Arrington for a 37 yard TD pass and the OSU lead is now down to 7.
With under 3 minutes to go before halftime, the Buckeyes again began driving down the field with another pass heavy attack. With just under 30 seconds to go, Troy Smith finds Anthony Gonzalez open for an 8 yard TD pass, and the Buckeyes take a 28-14 lead into halftime.
3RD QUARTER
The Buckeyes got the ball to start the 3rd quarter, and looked to really put this one away with a scoring drive here. Instead, a 3 and out occurred and Ohio State was forced to punt the ball.
The next drive by the Wolverines was all Mike Hart, the Junior RB carried the ball 4 times and accounted for all 60 yards on that drive, including a 2 yard touchdown run. The Wolverines were very much back in it now, with the score being 28-21.
Then, Troy Smith threw an deflected interception to DL Alan Branch, setting up Michigan at the Buckeyes 25 yard line. The OSU defense was able to hold them to a FG though, as Michigan K Garrett Rivas makes it a 28-24 game.
With their offense reeling since halftime, Ohio State played a bit conservative, starting with a 10 yard out pass for a first down, their first of the half. Then, RB Antonio Pittman burst through and took it all the way for a touchdown, a 56 yard scamper. The touchdown put Ohio State up 35-24. Michigan started driving on their next possession, making it down into Ohio State's territory and close to FG range. On a 4th down, Michigan elected to go for it instead of attempting a 51 yard field goal, and were unable to convert which turned the ball over to the Buckeyes.
After a punt by each team, Ohio State had the ball again on offense. A mishandled snap though doomed this drive, as Michigan recovered at the Ohio State 9 yard line. The quarter ends with Michigan in prime position to make this a 1 score game again.
4TH QUARTER
Almost immediately as the quarter started, Mike Hart punched in his 3rd touchdown of the game. The Wolverines only trailed 35-31 now with nearly an entire quarter left to play.
The next Ohio State possession looked promising, driving inside the Michigan 30. Another mishandled snap though leads to another turnover, as Michigan recovers at their own 32. Michigan could not do anything with the opportunity though, as they went 3 and out and had to punt back to OSU.
As the Buckeyes crossed midfield, they faced a pivotal 3rd down as they were just out of FG range. Troy Smith eluded pass rushers, got near the sideline and got clobbered by LB Shawn Crable just as he threw the ball. The pass fell incomplete to set up a 4th down, but a penalty on the Crable hit gave the Buckeyes 15 yards and a first down. 3 plays later, Smith found Robiskie for a 13 yard touchdown and the Buckeyes now lead 42-31.
Chad Henne came up big in crunch time for the Wolverines, completing pass after pass as Michigan drove down the field. With time running out and needing 2 scores, Henne found Tyler Ecker in the end zone for a 16 yard touchdown pass with 2:16 remaining in the game. With the score at 42-37, the Wolverines opted to go for 2 and Henne to Steve Breaston successfully converted it.
Down 42-39, Michigan needed an onside kick recovery to have a chance. Ted Ginn Jr. was able to recover it though for the Buckeyes, and 3 straight runs killed the clock to end the game.
Ohio State won, 42-39.
AFTERMATH
"REMATCH!!!"
That was the big talk after the game, the potential for an Ohio State vs. Michigan BCS title game. The BCS poll came out the following Monday and sure enough, Michigan was still ranked 2nd and a rematch seemed imminent.
Unfortunately, the Big Ten did not have a title game while other conferences did, and due to that along with some politics from other coaches/universities, the Wolverines slipped to 3rd in the final BCS poll and would be headed to Pasadena to take on USC in the Rose Bowl instead. The Buckeyes did get their guaranteed spot in the BCS title game, and would go up against Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators.
Personally, a rematch needed to happen and I'm not saying this in hindsight as I thought this immediately following that game and still feel that way today. Michigan lost by 3 on the road to the team that had been #1 all season, that proves to me that they were one of the 2 best teams in the country and deserved a rematch on a neutral field to settle any doubts on who the better team was.
The results of the bowl games though, help the arguments of those who want to use hindsight. Michigan was beaten soundly by the USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl, 32-18 and slid all the way to 8th in the final AP poll. And Ohio State, coming into the BCS title game as heavy favorites, were outclassed and overall dismantled by the Gators 41-14 in a game where the Gators outscored the Buckeyes 41-7 after Ted Ginn Jr. took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown.
The bowl games were a bad look, but the season's both teams had and season that many players had individually is something of worth note.
Michigan had DE LaMarr Woodley, Jake Long, Chad Henne, Mike Hart, Leon Hall and Alan Branch all named to all-Big Ten teams with Woodley winning Big Ten defensive player of the year along with national awards such as the Lombardi award and Ted Hendricks award. Woodley, Long, Hart, Hall and Branch were also named to All-American teams.
Ohio State had DL Quinn Pitcock and James Laurinaitis named to All-American teams, with Laurinaitis also winning the Bronco Nagurski award. Troy Smith took home the majority of national awards. Smith was named Big Ten offensive player of the year, 1st team all-Big Ten, 1st team All-American, the Davey O'Brien award, the Walter Camp award, and the Heisman trophy, being named the best player in college football.
10 years later and this game still stands the test of time. It is not only a part of this rivalry and it's history, but it stands alone as the standard to which all other games going forward are measured up to. There may be a #1 vs. #2 match-up in the future and considering the programs that Michigan and Ohio State have, it's very likely that there will be. But this was something else, not only was it the first and the biggest game, but the game itself was beyond expectations(which says a lot since everyone had the highest of expectations).
Somehow, after a century of playing against one another, this game topped them all and re-wrote history. And a decade later, without the worry of being a prisoner of the moment, this was the greatest game ever played between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines.
Hail to the Victors! Ohio State destroys Michigan in The Big House 42-13
By @MarkW2112
Yes, we all know The Victors is the Michigan fight song. But on this day, in Ann Arbor, at Michigan Stadium, it was the Ohio State Buckeyes who were the victors. And what a win it was, as they destroyed the Wolverines 42-13 in a game where the Buckeyes ran over Michigan's defense like a hot knife to butter. It was won in the trenches, with Ezekiel Elliot running for 214 yards and 2 touchdowns and J.T. Barrett running for an additional 139 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. He also threw for a touchdown on a beautiful pass over the defenders head and in to the waiting hands of Jalin Marshall. The Buckeyes offensive line had no problem opening holes for the rushers today as they had last week against Michigan State.
It was the first game for coach Jim Harbaugh against Urban Meyer. It was supposed to be a match set up like Bo Schembechler vs. Woody Hayes. Instead, it was another nightmare for Michigan fans who've seen the likes of Lloyd Carr and Brady Hoke take a beating from Ohio State over the last decade. Quarterback Jake Rudock looked sharp to the start, especially on a beautiful touchdown pass to Jehu Chesson, who led all receivers with 111 yards receiving. Other than a few nice receptions by Jake Butt, the Ohio State defense held their ground all day long, holding all Michigan running backs to a total of 57 yards. Rudock had his day finished early after former high school teammate Joey Bosa, who blew by the offensive tackle to hit Rudock in to the Big House turf. Wilton Speight took over for the rest of game, including an interception to Bosa after batting the ball to himself and almost taking it to the end zone. Adolphis Washington was also disruptive, getting to Rudock many times during the game. It was a hugely disappointing beginning to the Harbaugh era.
My take: This is how the Buckeyes should have played all year. Offensively, it was the best game of the year, especially against a top 10 opponent. J.T. Barrett and Ezekiel Elliot were outstanding today. It seems that having Tim Beck and Ed Warinner up in the booth together was exactly what the offense needed. It's just too bad they couldn't have figured this out before losing to Michigan State, who beat Penn State to win the B1G Eastern division. If there is somehow some luck on the Buckeyes side, there is a very slim chance they could make it to the 4 team playoff. But they blew the opportunity by playing so poorly against Michigan State. The consolation prize is going to the Rose Bowl, a place that meant so much to both the Buckeyes and Michigan in years past.
Player of the game: Ezekiel Elliot. After criticizing the coaches after the heartbreaking loss to Michigan State, Elliot manned up and plowed through Michigan defenders on his way to a 30 carry, 214 yard day. He surpassed Eddie George with the second most rushing yards of any Ohio State player, only behind Archie Griffin. He will be missed in Columbus but his career in the NFL will be one to watch.
Play of the game: While it didn't score a touchdown, Ezekiel Elliot's 66 yard run in the first half seemed to give the push the Buckeyes needed on offense.
Bittersweet For The Buckeyes, Almost All Bitter (But With Some Sweet) From The Browns
By @MarkW2112
Here's my recap for each game:
Buckeyes:
The Game. Always a great match up in the greatest rivalry in College Football. And this year was no different. In the end, the Buckeyes prevailed 42-28. But they lost their fantastic freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett not only for the rest of the year but possibly in to next year. It all depends on how fast his broken ankle heals. But before that, Barrett and the Buckeyes were able to withstand a strong performance by Devin Gardner, who probably had his best game of the year. The other good news was the performance of Ezekiel Elliot who ran for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was a battle all game for both teams but the Buckeyes prevailed with more talent on their side of the ball. And while nothing is certain, it might have been the last game for Brady Hoke as head coach. As much as Wolverines fans would love that, most Buckeyes fans would be delighted to have him back for one more year.
My take: the loss of J.T. Barrett is a huge blow, maybe even bigger than Braxton Miller in the summer. The job now falls to Cardale Jones, the big third stringer who was ahead of Barrett at one time. It's now his turn to shine during the Big 10 Championship next Saturday night against Wisconsin. But don't be surprised to see a lot of Jalin Marshall. You know they will dedicate to the game in rememberence of Kosta Karageorge.
Next: the Big 10 Championship in Indianapolis against Wisconsin.
Browns:
The Buffalo Bills defense were too much for the Browns offense and were a huge part in their 26-10 win. The Browns, who led at halftime 3-0, were outmatched in the second half and were not helped by Brian Hoyer's 2 interceptions. The other big play was a fumble by Terrance West which was returned for a touchdown to make it 14-3 in the third quarter. From there, it just got uglier for Hoyer and the offense. Joe Thomas, usually stout, had a bad game with 3 holding penalties and a false start.
It got so bad for Hoyer, Mike Pettine finally decided to send in Johnny Manziel to see if he could lift the offense. His first drive was magnificent, going down the field 80 yards and scoring on a 10 yard scramble in to the endzone. But that was about it for the offense all day. To make matters worse, Billy Cundiff missed from 37 yards in the first half. Not a good sign for a team that is trying to make the playoffs for the first time in 12 years.
My take: it may be time to see what Johnny can do. Hoyer hasn't played well since the Pittsburgh game and has thrown 9 interceptions since that time. Josh Gordon, while a great weapon, still doesn't seem to be in game day form after a few miscommunications between him and Hoyer. But since Pettine pulled Hoyer, there may be no going back now. It's Johnny time.
Next: back home in Cleveland against the Indianapolis Colts. It doesn't get any easier for the Browns.
Is this really the last regular season game for the Ohio State Buckeyes? Time really flies when you're having fun. And the Buckeyes, for the most part, have been having a ball all year. With the exception of the (fluke) game against Virginia Tech in week 2, the Buckeyes have been sensational all year, especially on offense. When Braxton Miller went down in the summer with a season ending shoulder injury, the job went to freshman J.T. Barrett. Lot's of really good buzz came out of Columbus about Barrett. Many thought he was ready to take the reins of quarterback and lead the Buckeyes to good things. Others thought he was still a raw freshman learning on the job. As it turned out, he was a lot less of the latter and a lot more of the former. While he had growing pains, especially in the first 2 weeks of the year, J.T. Barrett has grown in front of us Buckeyes fans eyes to even be in Heisman Trophy conversations by national media.
So here we are, the final game of the regular season, with probably the greatest rivalry in all of college football, that School Up North. The Michigan Wolverines have had a very difficult 2014. Nothing has gone right for Michigan, both on the field and off of it. Their AD has stepped down, their head coach Brady Hoke has made many questionable decisions on the field. But when it comes to Ohio State/Michigan week, anything can happen. Buckeyes fans know that they will play tough.
Quarterback Devin Gardner has 8 touchdowns and 14 interceptions for the year. Compare that with J.T. Barrett's 33 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions, he's been very pedestrian. Running backs De'Veon Smith and Derick Green have combined for less than 1,000 yards combined. The defense hasn't been that spectacular with no real stand outs this year.
My take: Don't discount Michigan against Ohio State, no matter how bad the Wolverines may be. The Buckeyes are a 20 point favorite but the Wolverines will put up a big fight against the Bucks for pride and bragging rights. But in the end, Devin Gardner is no J.T. Barrett and the 2 sophomore running backs are no match for Ezekiel Elliot. Michigan also wishes they had as talented of receivers as Jalin Marshall, Michael Thomas and Devin Smith.
Prediction: in a cat fight, the Buckeyes will prevail at the Horseshoe. It's possible this could be Brady Hoke's last game as Michigan's head coach.
What: THE GAME Michigan Wolverines at Ohio State Buckeyes
