#3 Michigan at #2 Ohio State, Saturday November 26th, Noon

By: Cameron Morgan

This is the biggest game of the year, and easily the most important game for college football as a whole, and the playoffs. “The Game” has a bigger meaning this year, as this is Harbaugh vs Meyer round 2.

Both teams are 10-1, and this game is absolutely necessary to make the top 4. Ohio State opens as a 7.5 point favorite, but this game should be even closer. Michigan could be without star QB Wilton Speight, who was one of the top QB’s in the Big Ten, and all of college football. Speight is questionable for this game, and Backup John O’Korn’s abilities are being questioned after a 20-10 win over Indiana. No matter who is at QB, Michigan’s defense should have enough to support the Michigan offense and give them opportunities.  

Two players, one from each team, are Heisman Trophy contenders, Jabrill peppers (Michigan) and JT Barrett (Ohio State). These players will be needed to win this game. Peppers needs to play like his life is on the line if he wants to win the Heisman and this game. I expect that you will see and hear the name Jabrill Peppers a lot, on offense, defense, and special teams. JT Barrett will need an explosive game against the top ranked defense in the country if he wants the Heisman.

Also, if Penn State wins against Michigan state, Ohio State will not be in the Big Ten championship; however, if Michigan wins this game, they go the BTC regardless of Penn State’s outcome.

My expectation for this game is that I expect nothing less than a dogfight between these two teams. Ohio State has home field advantage, but when it’s a rivalry game, you typically throw records and things like that away.

The key for this game will be Michigan’s QB and if Wilton Speight play. I like Michigan’s chances, but if John O’Korn plays, it’ll make it interesting. Now, it’s hard for me to really make an unbiased decision on this game as I’m a diehard Michigan fan, and it would be for a fan of either of these teams due to it being such a heated rivalry. So based on that, I will make two separate ones. One if Wilton Speight plays, and one for if he doesn’t. Go blue, beat Ohio.

With Wilton Speight: Michigan 27, Ohio State 20

Without Wilton Speight: Ohio State 28, Michigan 17