Cover Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

In 1902, the Michigan Wolverines absolutely obliterated the Ohio State Buckeyes by a score of 86-0. Very likely, Michigan will not repeat the 1902 win margin, but there is one statistic that stands out as the reason Michigan can win this Saturday. 

The Wolverines will look to make it five straight wins over the Buckeyes, no small feat, but not the longest win streak in the rivalry’s history. Michigan won nine straight games against Ohio State, from 1901 to 1909. If Michigan takes advantage of one particular weakness by Ohio State’s offense, the Wolverines will extend their win streak to five. 

A lot is at stake, as is usually the case. With a win, Michigan will force the selection committee to vote the Wolverines into the College Football Playoff. The team will close out the regular season at 10-2, having knocked off the juggernaut #1 team in college football. 

Ohio State boasts the top defense in the nation, ranked #1 in several statistical categories, in particular, points given up per game and opponents’ yards per game. Michigan will have to bludgeon the ball forward, somehow defying the Buckeyes’ 2.6 yards per rush given up, third best in the nation, by utilizing leading rusher Jordan Marshall between the tackles and quarterback Bryce Underwood on designed runs to the outside. This strategy will keep the ball moving and, importantly, keep the Ohio State offense off the field. If the defense swarms to stop Underwood to the outside, the talented quarterback can utilize short to intermediate passes to keep the chains moving.

With the Wolverines’ own stellar defense, ranked 13th in the nation in points allowed and 14th in yards allowed, this one profound weakness of the Buckeyes’ offense will open an opportunity for Michigan to win the game late. Ohio State ranks 28th nationally in red zone scoring, at 90.2 percent. If Michigan can bend, but not break, the Wolverines will keep the score low. The Buckeyes have not proven they can force their will when they have the ball inside their opponents’ 20 yard line. Michigan must hold the line.

Ohio State currently sits as a 10-point favorite, with 44.5 total points for the over/under, per DraftKings. Perhaps the bookies see a 27-17 win by the Buckeyes. 

If Michigan dominates time of possession and keeps Ohio State from getting touchdowns when the Buckeyes do enter the red zone, the Wolverines can win a low-scoring defensive game. I believe the team is capable. They are built for beating Ohio State. 

Prediction: 

With Michigan leading by more than a field goal late, Ohio State will be forced to gamble. Look for a turnover by the Buckeyes to seal the game for Big Blue.

Michigan 16 

Ohio State 9 

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