ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan Wolverines are coming off their best offensive game of the season and are heading to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in The Game.
After 11 games of bad offensive play, injuries to key players, and defenders looking out of place, the Wolverines finally showed what they could be on Senior Day when they boat-raced the Northwestern Wildcats 50-6.
With the victory, Michigan is now bowl-eligible, having reached the 6-5 mark on the season.
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Their matchup against Ohio State has nothing on the line but pride.
On the other hand, Ohio State has everything to play for, and a loss to this Michigan team would damage the pride of the fanbase.
They’ve been chomping at the bit since 2021 to seek revenge against the reigning, defending 2024 College Football Playoff National Champions.
Ohio State is 11-1, and with a victory, it will advance to Indianapolis, where it will take on the Oregon Ducks for the second time this year.
And on Saturday (Nov. 30) at noon inside the Horseshoe, they and their fanbase plan to devour the wounded Wolverines, who will most likely be without their best players, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland.
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Ohio State, on the other hand, will roll out its $20 million team, which just so happens to be back in the top five of the rankings this season.
| Michigan Wolverines | Ohio State Buckeyes |
|---|---|
| 3 wins | 0 wins |
| 39 ppg | 24.7 ppg |
| 451.7 total yards per game | 442.7 total yards per game |
| 7.7 yards per play | 6.2 yards per play |
| 1 turnovers | 4 turnovers |
| 2:05 time leading | 0:30 time leading |
The Buckeyes are ready to get their revenge for what took place over the past three seasons, as their explosive offense, led by quarterback Will Howard, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and wide receivers Emeka Egubka and freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith, will look to embarrass Michigan.
They have a defensive line consistent of Jack Sawyer, Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton and J.T. Tuimoloau who have each played over least 200 snaps.
They also have Kenyatta Jackson as a quintessential sixth man who accumulated nearly 200 snaps himself.
They swooped up safety Caleb Downs from the SEC and snatched former National Football League head coach and offensive genius Chip Kelly to orchestrate that side of the ball.
The oddsmakers know it’s their time to shine as they’re 20.5-point home favorites over Michigan.
But when it comes to rivalry games, everything is off the table.
It doesn’t matter that the Wolverines have one of the worst offenses in college football and they’re going against one of the nations top defenses.
When you’re a wounded animal like the Wolverines are and backed into a corner, those are the worst animals to face as they’ll go into survival mode to stay alive.
And like the great philosopher Lloyd Christmas said in the classic film Dumb and Dumber, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance.”
Ohio State has key injuries to its offensive line, and awaiting them will be defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, defensive end Josaiah Stewart, and defensive lineman Mason Graham, who all want nothing more than to wreck the season of their hated rivals.
Quarterback Davis Warren finally looks like he found his rhythm and will ride the momentum of his previous performance.
Running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards will look at their last performances to run down the Buckeyes' throats to extend their winning streak to four games for the first time since 1988-1991.
Ohio State will be under all the pressure, as they have the money, staff, and best players in the country.
But The Game will come down head coach Sherrone Moore, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell to cook up something to end the season on a high note.
The 120th meeting between the two rivals could get ugly fast or become a dogfight down to the final seconds.
I guess we’ll have to tune in to see the outcome.
