Three keys to the Ohio State football team beating Michigan

The Ohio State football team is trying to beat TTUN for the first time this decade. They have to do these things in order to accomplish that goal.

By Ryan Stano | 7:00 AM EST

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) runs past Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Terry Jones Jr. (12) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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2. Will Howard needs to make smart decisions with the football

So far this season, Will Howard has done a phenomenal job of making good decisions with the ball. His stats show that too. He has 26 passing touchdowns to go along with just six interceptions. His lone bad decision was the pick-six on the first throw against Penn State.

Other than that one horrendous decision, Howard has done a great job of taking care of the ball. That is going to be paramount in this game. One of the other ways Michigan can win this game is if they win the turnover battle. The Buckeyes don't have very many multi-turnover games.

Howard has been a massive upgrade from Kyle McCord in almost every aspect. Protecting the ball while still being aggressive down the field has been the biggest asset he's brought to the table. He's not afraid to take deep shots but also does so responsibly.

I fully expect Howard to do the same thing during The Game. Howard will be running the ball some as well, so he can't fumble. The Penn State game was the one game where he threw a pick and fumbled in the same game, and the Buckeyes were still able to win that game.

Howard has been a great leader this season. Nothing should change on Saturday. He's as ready for this game as anyone on the roster. The final key to the game is the biggest key to make sure that Ohio State ends the losing streak.

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