HUGE. That’s the easiest and best way to describe
today’s showdown. Ohio State — which has just one loss
in its last 25 games — and Michigan play very different
styles of football, and the game will probably come down to the
clash between the Buckeyes’ defense and the Wolverines’
offense.

Michigan passing offense vs. Ohio state passing defense:
Braylon Edwards doesn’t think anyone can stop
Michigan’s receiving corps, and he’s probably right.
The Buckeyes staunch defense gives up a lot more yards through the
air than on the ground, but that may be because it shuts down teams
on the ground and forces them to throw the ball a ton. Still, the
trio of Edwards, Jason Avant and Steve Breaston is difficult to
cover, and no one has solved it yet.

Quarterback John Navarre has had a couple of rough games against
the Buckeyes, but as long as he maintains the poise he has shown
this season, the Wolverines should rule the air.

Advantage: Michigan

Michigan rushing offense vs. Ohio State rushing defense:
This should be an awesome matchup: The best back in the Big Ten
against the best rushing defense in the nation. Chris Perry has
come up big in big games this season, but he hasn’t seen a
defense like this. Will Smith is Ohio State’s standout
defensive end who leads the Big Ten with 20 tackles for loss. The
Buckeyes give up just 50.5 rushing yards per game, and Perry has
averaged 130.5 per game. Something will have to give.

Advantage: Ohio State

Ohio State passing offense vs. Michigan passing defense:
Ohio State has relied on defense and the kicking game for most of
its points while struggling offensively.

Quarterback Craig Krenzel, who’s been banged up, has
thrown just one more touchdown (nine) than interceptions (eight).
Michigan has a deep, talented secondary. Freshman Leon Hall has
made a major contribution at cornerback, and safety Marlin Jackson
should be back at full strength.

Advantage: Michigan

Ohio State rushing offense vs. Michigan rushing defense:
Ohio State’s third-leading rusher is its quarterback, and
besides Krenzel, only two other players have scored rushing
touchdowns. Tailback Lydell Ross leads Ohio State with 722 yards
and nine touchdowns. Ross was bothered by injuries early in the
season, but he has looked solid the last four games, scoring a
touchdown in each.

Advantage: Michigan

Special teams: Ohio State has won by doing the little
things, like making field goals and pinning teams deep in their own
territory. Michael Jenkins has the Buckeyes’ only touchdown
on a return. Michigan’s Breaston has taken two punts to the
house, and Troy Nienberg has had solid kickoffs all season. But the
Wolverines’ punting and place-kicking have both been a little
shaky, and Michigan has given up substantial yardage on returns
lately.

Advantage: Ohio State

Intangibles: This is why they call it The Game. Michigan
is trying to reclaim the rivalry, as well as win the Big Ten title
and secure its first Rose Bowl berth since 1997. For Ohio State, a
win would be the third straight over its archrival, and it will
likely give the Buckeyes a return trip to the BCS national title
game. Basically, for both teams, the season comes down to this
game.

Advantage: Push

Prediction: Michigan 21, Ohio State 12