Game: #2 Ohio State @ #3 Michigan
When: Saturday, November 25th, 2023 at 12:00 PM EST
Where: Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan
TV: Fox
Radio: 97.1 The Ticket
Spread: Michigan -3.5
Over/Under: 46.5
Weather: 38 degrees and mostly cloudy. No precipitation is expected.
Preview
#3 Ohio State visits # 2 Michigan in what will likely be the most anticipated game of the college football season.
The Buckeyes look to finally get revenge on their most hated rival after two long years of seeing Maize and Blue not only with The Game, but the stakes that come with it. In the last two years, those stakes are: winning the Big Ten East division, a trip to Indianapolis and the Big Ten Championship Game, and the College Football Playoff.
Those stakes are higher this year: the loser of this game will likely be on the outside looking in.
With the SEC Champion (Georgia or Alabama), Pac-12 Champion, Big 12 Champion and Florida State having a chance at the College Football Playoff (assuming the Seminoles beat Florida and then Louisville in the ACC Championship Game), the loser in Ann Arbor will head home empty-handed and heartbroken.
Michigan Offense vs Ohio State Defense
Michigan comes in with J.J. McCarthy leading its offense. The Wolverines have averaged 410 yards on offense per game. McCarthy has thrown for 18 touchdowns against just four interceptions this season. His top target has been Roman Wilson, who has caught ten of the 18 touchdowns.
Blake Corum has rushed for 888 yards, averaging a shade under 5 yards a carry. He has a Michigan single-season record 20 touchdowns. Donovan Edwards is the other man in the backfield for the Wolverines. He’s averaging 3.4 yards per carry.
I wouldn’t be shocked if Michigan opens Ohio State with the run before a series of intermediate passes. That should leave Wilson open for a potential big, game-breaking play.
Ohio State has the second-ranked defense in the country. Defensive end Jack Sawyer has 38 tackles, as well as two forced fumbles. Look for him in the trenches against a Michigan offensive line that wants to protect McCarthy and create room for Corum and Edwards.
The Buckeyes will also get linebacker Tommy Eichenberg back on Saturday.
Ohio State Offense vs Michigan Defense
Ohio State will feature the best player on the field tomorrow in wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. who will be a nightmare for Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to gameplan for.
Harrison Jr. has caught 62 passes for 1,093 yards and 12 touchdowns. Running back Treyvon Henderson has rushed for an average of nearly 125 yards in the past four games.
Quarterback Kyle McCord has thrown for 22 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
Michigan has the number one scoring defense in the country, and the number two pass defense in the land. Will Johnson has the task of stopping Marvin Harrison Jr. Johnson has not allowed a score all season.
“(Johnson is) obviously a tremendous player, excited to see where his career goes, but that’s not really a matchup I’m looking forward to,” Harrison Jr. said, according to Von Lozon of SB Nation.
I don’t think that’s a fear based statement. Johnson will cover Harrison on the outside, while defensive back Mike Sainristil and Michigan’s safeties get Harrison in the slot.
Predictions
Shaquille Hill: I think Ohio State gets the rock last and drives to a game-winning field goal en route to Indianapolis.
Ohio State 27 Michigan 24
Stephen Chang: I expect Michigan to bring the pressure heavy and often against McCord. Marvin Harrison Jr will get his yards, but just like last season Michigan’s ground game will be the difference.
Michigan 47 Ohio State 20
Lawrence Mardeusz Jr.: Drama catches up to Michigan. OSU offensively will give UM fits. Inconsistent UM offense won’t be able to keep up.
Ohio State 34 Michigan 23
Dan Murphy: In the last 21 matchups between Michigan and Ohio State the team with the most rushing yards has won every time. I don’t think that changes this Saturday. Michigan’s run game has not been as effective this season as it has been the last couple of years as the offensive line has not been nearly as dominant. However, Blake Corrum and Donovan Edwards come in healthy and may be the most dynamic running-back duo in the country. Look for Wolverines QB JJ McCarthy to be a big factor in the run game as well. I expect Michigan to control the time of possession with long sustained drives and wear down the Ohio State defense. This will be a close highly intense game, but I think Michigan is still the more physical team and will come away with the victory.
Michigan 21 Ohio State 17
T.J. Wharry: Ryan Day pulled some shady business but got his wish and Jim Harbaugh is suspended. Now the two teams’ coaching is on equal footing. Unfortunately for Ohio State, Michigan has a better roster, and a singular institutional focus – beat Ohio State.
Michigan physically dominates in what is likely Ryan Day’s last game against the Wolverines.
Michigan 28 Ohio State 17
