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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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LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

In a rivalry that never sleeps, never loses intensity and never loses respect it’s time for Ohio State and That Team Up North to collide for the 116th edition of The Game in Ann Arbor.

The greatest rivalry in all of sport should live up to its name as I believe this game will be a war. The weather may play a factor, but regardless the Buckeyes will need to clean up their turnovers and mistakes from last week.

Ohio State has had the luxury of playing its biggest games at home this season in The Shoe. This time, however, the Buckeyes will be on the road in front of a fan base hungry for a victory.

The Wolverines are the best skilled team the Buckeyes will play in the regular season, and despite losing to Penn State and Wisconsin, I believe they’re the second best team in the Big Ten.

Ryan Day’s first test as a head coach in this rivalry will be immense, but I think he’ll have his Buckeyes ready to go. He understands the state of Ohio lives and breathes this rivalry and that it’s 24/7 365 days a year.

Respect that’s off the charts is what makes this rivalry so special. In fact it triumphs the hatred.

Look for Justin Fields to be involved in the running game paired with another heavy dose of JK Dobbins. But I think Ohio State will try time open up the passing game early with KJ Hill and Chris Olave.

Shea Patterson and the Wolverine offense has been playing well since the second half in State College. And their defense has been stout as well. Chase Young will need to disrupt Patterson to take away the explosive plays in the passing game TTUN has relied on over the last month.

I expect the Ohio State secondary to respond and adjust accordingly. As always the turnover and rushing battles will be key in winning The Game. The Buckeyes should win both en route to an extremely hard-fought, well-earned victory.

Ohio State 31 TTUN 20

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