The Ohio State football team has tried not to look ahead all season long to The Game. They haven't lost for a year, as losing to TTUN did anger them enough to go on a four-game rampage in the College Football Playoff. Staying locked in all year long until this moment has not been easy.
Now, the program has a chance to avenge the loss that almost broke them. Losing last year at home almost got Ryan Day fired. Instead, it helped the team lock in, which resulted in him getting a contract extension. Now, Day is one of the highest-paid coaches in the country.
If the Ohio State Buckeyes are going to win this game and end the streak, they have to do these three things.
1. Ohio State must get Jeremiah Smith involved early
The biggest criticism of last year's loss was the fact that they didn't throw the ball enough. Jeremiah Smith was left out of the game plan for some reason, despite the fact that he is the best player in college football. He had just five catches for 35 yards and a touchdown.
Smith has to be more involved early. TTUN doesn't have any defensive backs who can keep up with him. It's not just Smith who needs to be involved. The passing game in general needs to be the focal point of the offensive game plan for the Buckeyes.
2. Julian Sayin needs to be able to sling it
Julian Sayin is looking like the best quarterback in the country. He's one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. Ignoring him and what he can do would be malpractice in this game. Sayin has to be the focal point of how Ohio State attacks Michigan's defense.
Last year, Day was too obsessed with winning the rushing battle, and his team called him out for that after the loss. This season, Day has had a different look in his eye. He won't make the same mistake this year. If he does, the Buckeyes will lose again.
3. Suffocate Bryce Underwood
Ohio State's defense has been the best in the country all season long. They allow the fewest points in the country, the fewest passing yards, and the fewest total yards. True freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood hasn't seen a defense like this in his first season as a quarterback.
Making him uncomfortable in the first quarter could break him for the rest of the game. If he doesn't get into a rhythm early, he will be useless for the Wolverines. Breaking his will early will be important for the Buckeyes to come out on top.