The Game really needs no introduction. But in what's been a down, or downright depressing, six straight losses for the Wolverines in the series, questions of the rivalry lacking in luster have been plenty this week.

With a coach whose job is thought by many to be on the line and a team he insists is still in transition, a win for Michigan would be monumental in Ohio Stadium.

Michigan pass offense vs. Ohio State pass defense

Denard Robinson passed for 239 yards against one of the Big Ten's best defenses in Wisconsin last Saturday. And aside from a few miscues in the last couple weeks, he's been relatively effective as the Wolverines' quarterback.

Michigan's wideouts have also been solid, with the exception of some drops coming mostly from redshirt sophomore wide receiver Roy Roundtree. Roundtree could hit 1,000 receiving yards on the season in this game, but his drops, especially the one last week, have come at inopportune times for the Wolverines.

The Buckeyes' star cornerback Chimdi Chekwa has three interceptions this season and should cause some fits for Michigan. And there's always Ohio State's defensive line, which ought to provide quite a bit of pressure on Robinson. Cameron Heyward especially could be a problem, as his contain skills are some of the best in the nation.

This one could be close, depending much on Robinson's poise in a hostile environment. Either way, it's too close to call.

Edge: Push

Michigan rush offense vs. Ohio State rush defense

As it does every week, the Michigan rush offense will depend almost completely on how well Robinson sees holes in the Ohio State defense. The Buckeyes, however, are extremely well-versed in stopping the run, with one of the best run defenses in the country.

Linebackers Ross Homan, Etienne Sabino and Brian Rolle should cause some trouble for Robinson as he tries to find open creases, as they comprise one the most mobile linebacker trios in the nation. They aren't quite the old Buckeye linebacking corps that featured guys like Bobby Carpenter or A.J. Hawk, but they're still top-notch.

As always, if the Wolverines can get a guy like Vincent Smith, Mike Shaw or maybe even Fitz Toussaint going, things could be different. But Ohio State's defense is among the best, and the Michigan rush offense's dominant performances at the beginning of the season are firmly in the rearview.

Edge: Ohio State

Ohio State pass offense vs. Michigan pass defense

Terrelle Pryor has been quite a difference-maker at times, with games like last year's Rose Bowl against Oregon, but he's also had his fair share of problems against better pass defenses.

Michigan's, however, is not one of the better pass defenses.

The Wolverines' problems in the secondary have been widely documented, and Pryor has had big games against the Big Ten's poor secondaries. Guys like Dane Sanzenbacher and tight end Jake Stoneburner provide matchup problems against Michigan's weaker position groups.

Edge: Ohio State

Ohio State rush offense vs. Michigan rush defense

The Wolverines could have had a chance here, if you would have asked before last weekend.

The Badgers absolutely destroyed Michigan on the ground, accounting for nearly 400 rushing yards. Wisconsin called the last 31 plays to running backs Montee Ball and James White, if that says anything.

Ohio State isn't nearly as good as the Badgers on the ground, but tailback Dan Herron is no slouch. Pryor can run, too (think more Cam Newton than Denard Robinson), but guys like Jonas Mouton or Kenny Demens could legitimately keep him from running amok.

Still, there won't be much hope for Michigan to stop Dan Herron, especially if the Wolverines' linebackers have to drop back and help in coverage on nearly every play.

Edge: Ohio State

Special Teams

Again, it won't be pretty for the Wolverines.

Scholarship kicker Brendan Gibbons will get the nod this week after the Seth Broekhuizen experiment was officially deemed dead following a dismal performance against Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, Ohio State has dominated on special teams, especially in the kicking game, as Devin Barclay has been perfect on extra points.