The Ohio State Buckeyes should have Jeremiah Smith back from a leg injury and Carnell Tate back from an undisclosed injury, one that has kept him from the past three games, against TTUN for "The Game" on Saturday.
Even if the two don't play, GBMWolverine's Chris Peterson still fears the passing game because of quarterback Julian Sayin's efficient brilliance, the depth of the receiving corps, shown by guys like Brandon Innis, and tight end Max Klare.
"It feels like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are going to play. Even if they didn't, Ohio State is never lacking for pass catchers," Peterson wrote.
"Tate leads the Big Ten with 18.2 yards per reception. Smith paces the Big Ten with 10 touchdown receptions. They have combined for over 1,600 yards. Brandon Inniss and tight end Max Klare are weapons, too."
"Julian Sayin could end up winning the Heisman. He's thrown 27 touchdown passes. He's completing 79.4 percent of his passes and has just four interceptions. Sayin has a touchdown pass on nine percent of his throws."
"This is as good a passing game as Michigan football has faced against Ohio State. And it feels like keeping Ohio State in the 20s would be an incredible effort."
Ohio State's RB room must step up if it snows for 'The Game'
One aspect of the Buckeyes that Peterson doesn't fear is the running game. Known as Ohio State's one Achilles heel offensively, the RB room has been a weakness this season. That is, up until the month of November.
Bo Jackson has become a highlight of the offense, breaking 100 rushing yards in three of the Buckeyes' last four games. If it snows this Saturday, Ryan Day and Brian Hartline might not be inclined to tailor a game plan predicated on the passing game if the ball is slippery. That's the last thing Sayin needs in his first massive test on the road under center.
Jackson could be the key to the 2026 iteration of "The Game" if there's inclement weather, even if Smith and Tate return.