Focused Ohio State looks to end a three game losing streak to That Team Up North for a chance to play in the Big Ten Championship. Our staff predicts the 120th edition of The Game.
David: The three year losing streaks ends on Saturday. Ohio State 31 TTUN 10
Blake: Everything leads to Saturday. The Game is here and the Ohio State football program appears to have its edge back. That’s good news for Buckeye Nation, who needs to bring it in The Shoe for all four quarters. I expect this game to be a battle. Records, point spreads, wins, losses, etc. throw it all out the window. This coaching staff and group of players are focused on one things: Beating That Team Up North.
It will come down to the trenches. The Wolverines are supremely talented on the defensive line against a Buckeye front down two starters. Chunk plays in the run game and efficiency through the air while shortening the game is TTUN’s path to victory. However, I expect Ohio State to be prepared to offset the opposing defense and for Chip Kelly to schematically open the running game. Will Howard and the skill players should have solid outings with opportunities down the field.
We haven’t seen it much this year, but I like Ohio State to take vertical shots down the field. The offense will do what it needs to do, albeit with some difficulty. But the story of The Game will be the Silver Bullets. Jim Knowles’ unit has to get off the field, especially on third down. It’s been the struggle point for three years. I think they’ve found the solution – now to execute and tackle. Ohio State 38 TTUN 16
Dan: Ohio State vs. Michigan. THE GAME! Although the Buckeyes have secured a spot in the 12 team playoff at this point they will seek revenge for the last 3 years on Saturday. With no real pressure since the playoff spot is secure the Buckeyes can play loose, but angry and motivated at the same time. Ohio State’s defense will key in on the run game focus on shutting down Kalel Mullings. On offense, the Buckeyes will let it fly against a depleted Michigan secondary. Ohio State wins 42-16.
Cass: “The Game” is finally here. 3 years of nightmares will finally come to an end. The seniors like captain’s Emeka Egbuka, Jack Sawyer, TreyVeon Henderson and Cody Simon came back for this very reason. Like Quarterback Will Howard said “I want to win for those guys and coach Day”
I think the Buckeyes will feed of the energy of the stadium and the Buckeyes put their most complete game of the season however they won’t cover the spread because as we know in “The Game” anything can happen. That team up north still has Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant up front that could slow the offensive attack of the Buckeyes. I do think Will Howard will utilize the passing game to slow them two down and open the run game. The Buckeyes defense will dominate the Wolverine offense.
Should be a great day to be a Buckeye and they will earn a trip back to B1G championship in a rematch against the Ducks. Buckeyes 27 Wolverines 10!
Carson H: Ohio State has arguably the most momentum of any team as of late and is playing the best football in the country right now. No extra motivation will be needed for this one, and a shellacking may be in-store. Will Howard knows the importance of the game, as do all the playmakers on both sides of the ball.
The Buckeyes will start hotter than they usually do and, as always, pull away with big plays in all phases in the second half. TreVeyon Henderson and Emeka Egbuka both find the endzone and get their sweet revenge. Jack Sawyer, Cody Simon, and the defense will disrupt TTUN’s running game and force them to throw, leading to some turnovers, including a potential first interception for Caleb Downs.
The Buckeyes get back in the win column in the rivalry, and Ryan Day helps send this team to Indianapolis for the first time in a handful of years with a chance to avenge their only loss this season against the Oregon Ducks. The world-famous Buckeyes get up and stay up, winning this game handily. Ohio State 34 TTUN 14
AJ: 100 – 0 OSU Why? Because I feel like it.
