Snow isn’t expected until after halftime, setting up a dry start and a weather-impacted finish as Ohio State and Michigan could battle winter conditions in Ann Arbor.

Everyone on social media has turned into a meteorologist this week. Ohio State and Michigan kick off at noon in Ann Arbor, under crisp, cold gray flannel skies. While the first half will likely be mostly dry, the forecast calls for snow beginning around 2:00 pm, meaning the second half could become a battle against the elements as much as against each other. Weather was last a factor in The Game in 2021.

Temperatures will hover in the low-to-mid 30s at kickoff, dropping slightly throughout the day. By the second half, players and fans alike will feel the snow, slick footing, and cold air, all of which could influence the strategy, execution, and outcome of this rivalry game.

Three of Ohio State’s captains met with the media on Wednesday night, and OL Austin Siereveld was asked about the potential for snow and how it could affect the game, as well as the opportunity for his unit up front.

“I love it. Cold, windy, snow. It is what it is. It’s going to be a challenge for us and we are ready for it.”

🗣️Ryan Day on the weather forecast in Ann Arbor:

“It’s the same for both teams. That’s what you expect this time of year in Big Ten Football…That’s just a distraction. The focus has to be on doing our job.”

Ohio State appears locked in rain, snow, or shine on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/NhxdH5pwTU

— Blake T. Biscardi (@BlakeBiscardi) November 27, 2025

Ryan Day also added his own remarks about the cold weather and snowy forecast for Saturday.

“It’s the same for both teams. That’s what you expect this time of year in Big Ten Football…This is a group of guys that [have] played in this type of weather before. That’s [weather] just a distraction. The focus has to be on doing our job.”

Potential Effects on Ohio State

With clear skies at kickoff, Ohio State should start by executing its base offense with efficient passing, disciplined runs, and smart clock management. Ball security will be key on the ground, and good decision-making through the air. Interceptions have plagued Buckeye quarterbacks in each of the last three meetings. Ohio State QBs are averaging two per contest since 2022. 

As snow begins to fall after 2:00 pm, The Game shifts. The Buckeyes’ downhill, physical running game will become even more critical. Slippery conditions slow defenders, and controlling the line of scrimmage could help Ohio State dominate time of possession.

However, this is a strength of Michigan’s, which is why Ohio State needs to start fast and grab an early lead. If the Buckeyes are unable to do so, the weather may force The Game into the home team’s hands.

With Jayden Fielding already 2-for-5 against Michigan, the snow and cold could make field goals even less reliable. Ryan Day and Sherrone Moore may opt for fourth-down aggression in the second half rather than risking long kicks. Truth be told, each side has a struggling kicker, so this may be the plan from the opening whistle. 

Potential Effects on Michigan

Michigan’s offense, which relies on timing and downhill runs, may struggle in the second half as snow and slick footing disrupt timing and angles. Ohio State’s fast, disciplined defense could exploit these conditions, particularly late in the game.

In the first half, Michigan will operate under relatively normal conditions. Their run game can establish rhythm, and the passing game won’t yet be hindered by snow.

By the second half, snow limits the Wolverines’ playbook. Heavy runs become more likely, which could make their offense easier to defend, especially against Ohio State’s late-game defensive resilience. Matt Patricia’s unit has 15 fourth-quarter stops this season, highlighting their ability to rise to late-game challenges.

Cold, wet conditions make deep throws and precise timing routes more challenging. Snowy second-half conditions favor possession football and disciplined ground control.

Snow arriving in the second half increases the risk of fumbles, slippery exchanges, and misfires on timing routes. Given Ohio State’s recent history with turnovers in The Game — two interceptions in each of the last three years — avoiding mistakes once the snow begins will be critical.

Second-half snow amplifies every angle, cut, and tackle. Running backs who stay low and maintain balance will thrive. Defenders must adjust quickly or risk giving up big plays in slick conditions. The team that adapts fastest to the snow likely decides the rivalry game if the weather forecast verifies. 

Noon kickoff under clear skies lets both teams establish rhythm. But as the second half arrives and snow begins to fall, this rivalry could turn into a classic winter showdown. Potentially another snow globe game that is gritty, physical, and determined by who can play smart football in the elements. The question becomes: will this year’s outcome differ from 2021?