Ohio State and Michigan meet for the 121st time on Saturday as The Game returns to Ann Arbor with potential wintry conditions and CFP hopes.

This is the game you wait all year for as Ohio State’s Scarlet and Gray clash with Michigan’s Maize and Blue on a frosty field in the Big House on Saturday. Ohio State vs. Michigan is the greatest rivalry in North American sports. The 121st installment is shaping up to be one for the ages, with the Buckeyes at No. 1 and the Wolverines at No. 15.

Both teams have a trip to Indianapolis on the line, yet it still plays second fiddle to beating the opponent on Saturday. A berth in the College Football Playoff is also at stake. Ohio State’s postseason fate is all but secured – seeding is the only question. But for Michigan, the Wolverines need to win to have a case.

Let’s check our our team’s predictions in the Rivalry Week edition of TSB Staff Picks as Ohio State takes on Michigan:

Dave: Ohio State 28 Michigan 17

Blake: The vibe in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center is different than a year ago, and even the last few. There’s a cool confidence among the Buckeyes – not in a way to guarantee a victory – but it’s clear this team knows its identity. Ryan Day has emphasized the process and routine – it’s been the message all season. For Ohio State to snap the streak, it needs to win the second half. Literally and figuratively.

Michigan has not punted in the fourth quarter since 2019. Can Matt Patricia’s defense finally force stops late? If he’s asked, Jayden Fielding must be reliable, as he’s 2-for-5 in The Game during his career. Offensively, Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, and Carnell Tate will tell the story.

For Sayin, can he operate the offense regardless of who’s on the field? The redshirt freshman must play with the same poise and confidence he’s shown all season. Coach Day’s message for the offense is simple: “Just win.” If Ohio State’s goal is just to win, that means the hyperfixation with the rushing battle is gone. That’s good news for Buckeye fans.

The health of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate is pivotal to the Buckeyes’ chances in this game. I expect that Jeremiah Smith plays, and so does Carnell Tate – most likely on a pitch count. For Smith, Saturday is his 20th birthday and an opportunity to get last year’s taste out of his mouth. Tate’s situation is a bit more complex as his injury has lingered. There will be more on his situation Saturday morning. Ohio State gets it done on the road in a hard-fought game. Ohio State 31 Michigan 17 

Cass: The Game! Nothing is bigger and better than this rivalry. Snow and wind, who cares? Buckeyes go to the Big House, and Julian Sayin gets one of his Heisman moments. Buckeyes prevail! Ohio State 28 TTUN 13

Dan: Bryce Underwood will show flashes of brilliance but will ultimately be Michigan’s downfall. Michigan will attempt to make this a track meet with the Buckeyes. Michigan will be unable to run the ball and chew the clock, unlike prior years.

Offensively, the Buckeyes should pick apart the Wolverine defense. Smith will hit a few big plays. But unsung heroes like Max Klare and CJ Donaldson will make pivotal plays in this one. Buckeyes win 35-17 

Carson H: The storylines are everywhere, and some will be figured out right before the game when we find out the fate of Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith. Both Smith and Julian Sayin have had Heisman-worthy numbers, and could have their Heisman moment in this one. I expect the offense to focus on its main guys rather than giving every player touches, but guys will definitely be asked to step up.

Regardless of who plays, Brandon Inniss and Max Klare will need to show their veteran leadership and make plays for their young quarterback in a hostile environment. The young backs, Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, will need to play smart and hopefully get some big holes behind the offensive line.

The defense has been the best in the country, and arguably the best of the past decade. They are so good that I am not as worried as I should be about this game and our offense, because I know it will be very hard for TTUN to score more than 17 in this one. The defense has first-round talent all up the middle and has corners who can take away anything through the air.

This is where you can become a Buckeye legend, and nobody wants it more than guys like Sonny Styles, Caden Curry, and Ryan Day. I expect them to be more aggressive and play our style of football, not succumbing to the pressure that we have to win in the trenches. I think if Tate plays, he will be the X-factor in this one, and on defense, I expect Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese to prove why they should walk away with National awards.

The defense holds TTUN until the offense can get comfortable, then they hold them some more. Smith and Tate both find the end zone, and a key turnover in the second half leads to the Ohio State Buckeyes defeating the Michigan Wolverines and winning their first pair of gold pants in way too long. Ohio State 31 Michigan 13

TJ: Ohio State gets over the hump this year in a game a lot closer than it should be. Julian Sayin has a Heisman moment late. Brandon Inniss makes a big catch late, and the Buckeyes hold off TTUN. Ohio State 20 Michigan 13

AJ: Ohio State 24 Michigan 17

Alex: Ohio State 34 Michigan 17