Ohio State Football: Big Ten predictions for rivalry week

Obviously Ohio State vs. Michigan will be the marquee game in the Big Ten this Saturday but there are other rivalry games on tap as well.

There are interesting conference matchups this week and of course the biggest one is Ohio State vs. Michigan.

Every week this season I have provided my predictions for Big Ten games. Last week I finished 7-0.  En fuego. I am 69-28 on the year, but as always, I caution following my lead when betting.

Besides “The Game”, I love this week in the Big Ten because there are so many rivalry trophies on the line.  Here are my week 13 predictions:

Michigan at Ohio State

After a crazy season, “The Game” and college footballs’ preeminent rivalry has arrived.

Stakes are high once again with the Big Ten East Division title and playoff implications on the line. Along with a win come 12 months of bragging rights.

Ohio State is on a six-game winning streak, but many are thinking this is the year Jim Harbaugh finally wins his first game in the rivalry as a coach because he has a quarterback that actually knows how to play the position.

Whether he accomplishes that feat largely depends on what Ohio State defense shows up to play.

Last week, the offense showed multiple times that when the chips are down, the leaders are able seize momentum and win the game.  It has done this many times this year.

It is time for the defense to find that leader.  There is no legitimate reason why this defense is allowing opponents to dissect them so easily.

Which player will rise-up and cement his legacy by willing this unit to perform at the level it is capable of playing?

Michigan is a run-first team so I am going to say it will be a linebacker, probably Tuf Borland or Malik Harrison.

When the leader takes control, the rest of the defense will follow shutting down Karan Higdon and Shea Patterson

I have been off for several weeks so I am going go against my gut and say this is a low-scoring game.  Buckeyes win 24-20.