This hugely anticipated showdown matches Ohio States’ prolific offense against Michigan’s imposing defense. Ohio State leads the nation in yards per play at 7.39 yards per play; Michigan allows the second-fewest yards per play in the land at 4.10. Don’t expect much from the Buckeyes on the ground against the Wolverines’ rugged front seven; the key matchup will be Ryan Day’s elite receivers against defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s stout secondary.
On the other side of the ball, the question is whether the Michigan passing game can finally fire on all cylinders and hit some big plays.