TTUN may have to start feeling fearful of the Ohio State Buckeyes' trip to Ann Arbor in a few weeks, given their issues under center.
NBC Sports' Vaugh Dalzell believes the Wolverines must be ready for the Buckeyes to have a much superior quarterback in Julian Sayin to TTUN's Bryce Underwood -- a gap similar to the Justin Fields-Shea Patterson gap in 2019, the last time Ohio State won "The Game."
Dalzell was inspired by OSU's dominant 38-14 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions at the "Shoe" on Saturday. And TTUN's uninspired 21-16 win over the Purdue Boilermakers at the "Big House." Underwood had an interception and just 145 passing yards, needing to be bailed out by Jordan Marshall.
Dalzell was dismissive of the Buckeyes' schedule outside of the Wolverines. Ohio State takes on Purdue, the UCLA Bruins, and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights before college football's premier matchup.
"Ohio State churned out another dominant effort this time against Penn State. The Buckeyes had everything go their way, including a ridiculous tipped touchdown catch from Jeremiah Smith as he and Julian Sayin continue their Heisman campaigns. Ohio State goes to Purdue next, then back at home for Rutgers and UCLA before going to the Big House to take on their bitter rivals, Michigan," Dalzell wrote.
"The Buckeyes have a beautiful schedule to win their next three, then comes the big question everyone will ask: Can Ohio State finally beat Michigan? The Wolverines have won four straight meetings, but Michigan is starting a true freshman at quarterback in Bryce Underwood. Maybe that’s the key to an OSU victory in this series since the last time the Buckeyes won it was Justin Fields versus Shea Patterson at quarterback — obvious advantage OSU."
Ryan Day can solidify status winning 'The Game' this year
The mythical beatdowns the Buckeyes keep dishing out are making Ohio State a special team. And it's elevating Ryan Day to legendary status. Many are comfortable coronating him the next Nick Saban/Kirby Smart-esque dominant head coach.
But no one will believe that in Columbus until he gets over the TTUN hump.
There's confidence he's finally about to, because of the massive gap in talent between the two teams at the most crucial position on the football field.