Ohio State football: Three games that will define the season
By Ryan Stano
![ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 27: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Rod Moore #19 of the Michigan Wolverines talk during the first quarter at Michigan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 27: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Rod Moore #19 of the Michigan Wolverines talk during the first quarter at Michigan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d5636ba3de18aef73e3967737d852427df50b587192d3f3431d6d7feb732a846.jpg)
Ohio State football vs. Michigan
Perhaps no game will define the Ohio State football team’s 2022 season more than The Game. It’s always the biggest game of the season, but after last year it’s even bigger than it normally is. That’s because the Buckeyes are looking for some revenge.
Last year was the first time in almost two decades that they had lost to TTUN. It was a game that ended their hopes of winning the Big Ten and making a repeat appearance in the National Championship Game. Instead, they had to settle for the Rose Bowl.
TTUN is going to be the toughest Big Ten team that the Buckeyes will play this year. Both teams should be playing their best by the time this game rolls around. Like last year’s contest, this game will be won in the trenches and will be determined by the execution of the gameplan and mental toughness.
How Ohio State runs the ball will determine whether or not they avenge last year’s loss. This year, The Game is in the Shoe, so that will certainly help. The fans will be out for blood all game long. That should help calm the nerves of some younger Buckeyes.
No matter who wins the starting QB job for TTUN, whether it’s McNamara or J.J. McCarthy, Ohio State needs to be stout up front on the defensive line. Neither one of those two quarterbacks will be able to do much if they can’t get help from the running game.
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These are the games that will determine whether or not Ohio State can win a national championship. All three games are at home as well, so they will need your help Buckeye Nation!