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Ohio State Football: Predictions for ‘The Game’

By Charlie Lockhart

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Chris Olave #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes catches a 24-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter in front of Brandon Watson #28 of the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Chris Olave #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes catches a 24-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter in front of Brandon Watson #28 of the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 01: Chris Olave #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes hands the ball to the referee after scoring a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats in the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 01: Chris Olave #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes hands the ball to the referee after scoring a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats in the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Penn State was Ohio State’s biggest challenge of the season, but that doesn’t mean that Michigan won’t challenge Ohio State in the best rivalry game in sports.

The Buckeyes (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) will battle the Wolverines (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten) in Ann Arbor with a chance to cement their playoff position. Both teams have top ten defenses, and while the Buckeyes have a superior offense, the Wolverines can put up a lot of points and have averaged 41.5 points per game in their last four games, all wins.

Justin Fields and his receivers vs. the Michigan secondary will be the match-up to watch in this one. If K.J. Hill, Chris Olave and Binjimen Victor can find a way to exploit the Michigan defense, they could put up 62 again.

Based on the Buckeyes’ pattern of play this season, they could either start hot and allow the Wolverines back into the game (a la Penn State) or they could start slow and pull ahead in the second half for a big win.

In this game, the Buckeyes have a slow first quarter but explode in the second quarter to take a three-touchdown halftime lead.

The Wolverines pick away in the second half, but never get close enough as the Buckeyes complete a perfect regular season and head into the Big Ten Championship Game Dec. 7 in Indianapolis.

Ohio State 48, Michigan 31

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