One of the biggest games of the year is set to go down in less than an hour. The number 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (11-0) and the number 10 ranked Michigan Wolverines (9-2) will throw down and show out at Michigan Stadium.
The Ohio State Buckeyes intend to go 12-0 dominating the Wolverines as they have done in the past. While the Wolverines are dead set at stopping their nemesis and legging up on the Buckeyes in their historic rivalry.
The Buckeyes come in to this game winning the last 5 matchups against the Wolverines:
42-28 (2014)
42-13 (2015)
30-27 (2016)
31-20 (2017)
62-39 (2018)
(Sports-reference.com)
The Wolverines however, out of 115 meetings, lead the rivalry 58-51-6.
Buckeye QB Justin Fields (175/252, 2352 yards, 33 TD, Int) will be one of the many keys in the Buckeyes winning this game. He may have to rely on his legs more to beat a howling Wolverine defense.
Buckeye RB J. K. Dobbins (219 att, 1446 yards, 15 TD) will have to be flexible and LaDainian Tomlinson like, dynamic on his feet and with is hands in space.
Buckeye DE Chase young (38 Tot, 16.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles) needs to remain disciplined. The wolverines will be looking to trap him often.
The Wolverines has been on a resurgence having not lost a game since Oct 19, 2019 (28-21 Penn State)
Wolverines QB Shea Patterson (179/301, 2523 yards, 21 TDS, 5 Int) needs to limit his mistakes. They may also implement the RPO to throw off a salivating Chase Young.
RBs Zach Charbonnet (635 years, 11 TDS) and Hassan Haskins (483 yards, 3TD) need to hold on to the ball and become the battering ram against this stiff Buckeye defense. Their only hope to win is to wear down the Buckeyes’ defense front, which will then be soft on the pass rush, hope.
Michigan Defense only has only 9 interceptions this year and 8 forced fumbles (Scroll up and look at Chase Young’s alone). They have to be better (its too late to get better). Blitzing Fields will be their best bet. Fields is increasingly getting better but giving him time to do so shouldn’t be the Wolverines job. Blitz in waves and Spy on J. K. Dobbins.
The game is getting ready to start and I have my brew ready along with more articles to push.
My take
I’m going with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Pending injury, the Buckeyes will come out fast and constant against the Wolverines. I believe it will be a low scoring game for the first half, but the Buckeyes will break it wide open after all the gitters are out.
My Prediction:
Buckeyes (32-21).
Photo: CBS SPORTS.
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