This is the game that the Ohio State football team has been waiting for all season long. They have had this game circled on the calendar, as they always do. The difference is that this game means a little bit more to them because of how each of the last two matchups has gone.
Ryan Day knows he needs to win this game. He knows how important this game is for his legacy, as well as his future job security. If he loses this game, there is a really good chance that he gets replaced after the season unless he wins a national championship.
Ohio State is expected to win this game. They are the second-ranked team in the country, while TTUN is just a 6-5 football team. The Buckeyes are huge favorites on paper, and they should be. They are one of the favorites to win the national championship with the roster that they have.
As we have done for every game this season, we give you some bold predictions for this game. This is the final regular season game for the Ohio State Buckeyes, so we're going to make sure these ones stick. All of these things can happen, so they aren't too far-fetched.
The first bold prediction goes with the defensive side of the ball for the Buckeyes.
1. The Ohio State Buckeyes will keep Michigan from scoring more than two touchdowns
The Buckeyes are the best defensive team in the country. They lead the country in points allowed, passing yards, and total yards. Ohio State is also the third-best team in rushing yards per game allowed. They aren't an easy team to score against.
Last week's opponent barely scored two touchdowns against this defense. IU is a good offense too. Michigan's offense does not have anywhere near the talent that IU does. They can't throw the ball even a little bit. There's a reason they have used three different starting quarterbacks this year.
If TTUN scores more than two touchdowns in this game, I'd be shocked. Ohio State has an opportunity to show the rest of the country that they are indeed the best defensive team in the country. Jim Knowles has done a really good job with this team since the Oregon game.
The Buckeyes usually let the opposing offense score on the first drive of the game. I still expect that in this game, but that might be the only time TTUN is able to score. Once those scripted drives are gone, Ohio State locks in. I expect the same on Saturday.
The next bold prediction has to deal with how well one receiver will do in his first Ohio State/Michigan game.