Ohio State-Michigan: Preview/Prediction

It's the best rivalry in college sports. It's just that simple. No rivalries are as long, as historical, and as meaningful as Ohio State-Michigan. From Fielding Yost and Chic Harley to Paul Brown and Tom Harmon, to Woody and Bo, Tressel and Carr, and finally, Meyer and Harbaugh. Since these teams first met in 1897, we've seen Michigan pummel the Buckeyes so badly that it inspired an alma mater from the other side. These two empires have combined for 19 National Titles, 77 Big 10 Titles, and 10 Heisman winners. We've seen fights, snow, a Heisman pose, and a "Ten Year War" filled with legends, paranoia, and damn good football.

College Football has plenty of rivalries, sure. But on Saturday, November 26th, on 411 Woody Hayes Dr., only one game matters. It's #2 vs. #3. It's a chance to stay alive in the chase for a national championship. It's "The Game."

Now, let's talk matchups.

Ohio States O-Line vs. Michigan's D-Line

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While the Buckeyes offensive line has been holding its own over the past few weeks, I still think that Michigans D-Line will cause some problems. Chirs Wormley, Ryan Glasgow, and Taco Charlton are all very talented, and Michigan's three-man front is as good as any in the land. It will be interesting to see how the at times shaky Buckeye O-Line can handle them. Oh, and #5 Jabril Peppers plays linebacker. He's pretty good.

Edge: Michigan 

Michigan's O-Line vs. Ohio State's D-Line 

The rivalry was dominated by Michigan, until Chic Harley came along. (Photo creds to The Columbous Dispatch)

Michigan's offensive line has done well for most of this season, but recently, they have lagged. Ohio State's defensive line, led by Sam Hubbard, will need to neutralize Michigan's various weapons in the ground game. It's a tough battle, but because of Michigan's uncertain QB situation (we will get to that), the Wolverines may have to run the ball more than usual. I don't think the Wolverines run game can carry the load enough to roll up the points the way they usually do. If Michigan's offense was at full strength, I might give them the edge. But because they may not be, I think the lack of variety in Michigan's play calling created by Wilton Speight's injury will hurt them, and the Buckeye front seven will take advantage.

Edge: Ohio State

Ohio State's Secondary vs. Michigan's Receivers

"They're tearing down Michigan's coveted M Club banner!" Wolvarines announcer Bob Ufer screamed in horror before he 1973 contest. (Photo creds to Pick Six Previews).

On paper, this should be the best matchup of the day. Ohio State's secondary is loaded, as Malik Hooker, Gareon Connley, and Marshon Lattimer are elite performers. Michigan's receivers are also charged, as Jehu Chesson, Amara Darboah, and tight end Jake Butt are all fantastic in their right. If I were sure that Speight was ready to go and hit his receivers consistently, I would call this a push. But since we don't know what we will see at quarterback for the Maize and Blue, I'll give the ballers in the Buckeye defensive backfield a slight edge.

Edge: Ohio State 

Michigan's Secondary vs. Ohio State's Receivers

"Hello Heisman"!

Here, Michigan has the Buckeyes beat. Jourdan Lewis is one of the best corners in the country, and he spearheads a secondary that may be the very best in the country. Ohio State is not known as a passing team, so don't expect the Bucks to test the UM defensive backfield frequently.

Edge: Michigan

Special Teams 

Bo Schembechler's biggest win over Ohio State was his first one, when the Maize and Blue stunned the #1 ranked Buckeyes, 24-12, on November 22nd, 1969 (Photo creds to SI.com)

According to http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/feist, Michigan has the second best special teams unit in America, while Ohio State has the 31st. I think that solves this issue. Oh, and that Jabril Peppers guy is pretty good.

Edge: Michigan 

Quarterbacks 

Troy Smith defeated the #2 Wolvarines in 2006, and precedded to win that years Heisman. (Photo creds to OhioStateBuckeyes.com)

A healthy Wilton Speight vs. J.T. Barrett? Push. A questionable Wilton Speight and/or John O'Korn, who was piss poor last week against Indiana? I'm going to give the edge to Barrett.

He may not be quite what he was in 2014, but the junior Buckeye quarterback is established, and he knows what to do in big games. This is the biggest game of J.T. Barrett's life to this point, and I think he will be up to the task.

Edge: Ohio State

Runningbacks

Tom Harmon is the only opposing player to get a standing ovation in the Horseshoe (or at least the most important one). 

This category is a tough call. For the Buckeyes, Mike Weber, Curtis Samuel, and J.T. Barrett are all big running threats, while for Michigan, Devon Smith, Chris Evans, Jabril Peppers and Eddie McDoom can all run the football. Michigan has a deeper core of running backs, while Ohio State has a more talented group. So, I think it's only fair to call this a push.

Edge: Michigan

Final Prediction
I am expecting a defensive battle that could go either way. However, as with all sporting events that I predict, there are a few deciding factors.

The first factor is that Ohio State is at home. It's a classic sports cliche, but it's true; Homefield advantage is import, especially when it's a place as loud and proud as Ohio Stadium is. The second factor is current form. Michigan is two weeks removed from a crushing defeat in Iowa city, and they did not look overly impressive last week in their win over 20-10 win over Indiana (albeit weather was a factor). The third and final factor, and what is the true tiebreaker in my eyes, is Wilton Speight.

Will he start? Will O'Korn start? How healthy will Speight be? Is Speight not big enough to handle this moment anyway? There are just too many question marks at the quarterback position for me to feel comfortable about picking Michigan to win. Therefore, after doing my homework and thinking things through, I feel that Ohio State is the safe pick, and they are the right pick. As a Nittany Lions lifer who wants to see his team play in the Big 10 title game, they better be the right pick.

Ohio State 19, Michigan 13