Is this the year Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh beats Ohio State?
A win for the Wolverines (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) on Saturday would give them the East crown and a spot in the conference championship. It also would snap an eight-game losing streak against the Buckeyes (10-1, 8-0).
But as remarkable as Michigan’s turnaround has been this season, it is still more than a touchdown underdog against the surging Buckeyes, who have scored a combined 115 points the past two games. They scored touchdowns on their first seven drives against Michigan State last week and lead the nation in yards per game.
Something will have to give as Michigan ranks No. 9 in the country in total defense. Here are predictions for Saturday’s game (noon, FOX) from MLive’s beat writers.
Ryan Zuke
Jim Harbaugh deserves a ton of credit for shaking up his coaching staff this offseason and getting the most out of his players in 2021. Before the season, I didn’t think this game would mean more than anything but bragging rights for Michigan. Now, the Wolverines have the Buckeyes at home with a Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth in their sights. If they can limit OSU’s high-flying offense to under 40 points, they will have a chance. Michigan’s pass-rush will have to get pressure on QB CJ Stroud, otherwise it could be a long day for its secondary against the top receiver trio in the country. The Buckeyes’ defense has been better lately, but I still think the Wolverines will be able to put some points up against that unit. However, I doubt it will be enough. Prediction: Ohio State 42, Michigan 32
Andrew Kahn
I’ve been talking to kids and their parents about Michigan’s losing streak to Ohio State for a story that you can read here. I note that not just to plug the story -- though I do hope you’ll read it -- but because I agree with what many of them told me.
The Wolverines can win this game. But it’s very hard to predict that they will.
To borrow a phrase from political pundits during election season, I see a pathway to victory for Michigan. Ohio State’s electric passing game can be neutralized by two of the top pass rushers in college football. The best offense in the country can’t do anything from the sideline, and Michigan’s ball-control offense will help there.
Michigan could use another performance like last week, where it scored touchdowns on offense, defense, and special teams. That seems unlikely.
There’s no way Michigan completely shuts down Ohio State and wins, say, 16-13. But the Wolverines can’t afford to get into a true shootout either. I see this game in the high 20s to low 30s.
And based on what we’ve seen most of this millennium, and especially over the past decade, picking against Ohio State is unwise. Prediction: Ohio State 31, Michigan 27
Aaron McMann
Anyone out there have Michigan 10-1 and playing for a trip to Indy before the season started? Jim Harbaugh and his new-look staff deserve a ton of credit for steering the ship. The Wolverines boast one of the nation’s best defenses, but they haven’t had to face a passing attack like this one. Pressure on C.J. Stroud will be key, but I’m really looking to see how the secondary holds up against three of the best receivers in the country. For Michigan to win this game, it’s going to need to play keep away, and that means long, clock-churning drives on the ground -- and converting inside the red zone. Harbaugh’s team is much better equipped to play with Ohio State this year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to win. Talent wins out here, and that’s where I give the edge to the Buckeyes. Prediction: Ohio State 35, Michigan 28
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November 26, 2021 at 10:34PM
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