By Logan Dressander
“The Game” is once again upon us as No. 2 Ohio State University faces No. 6 University of Michigan Saturday, Nov. 27. This time it will be contested inside the Big House in Ann Arbor with even bigger National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) College Football Playoff implications.
Both teams have an impressive 10-1 record and lots of momentum built up toward the highly anticipated matchup. This game could not only decide who the Big Ten champion is, but also who will go on to earn a berth in the College Football Playoff.
The Ohio State Buckeyes head up north after pummeling Michigan State 56-7. On offense, C.J. Stroud was unbelievable, getting all six of his passing touchdowns in the first half alone, as well as racking up 432 yards to go with an already impressive statsheet. Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba all pitched in as well, having over 100 receiving yards each against the Spartans’ pass defense.
The most impressive thing coming out of the game was the fact that the Buckeyes’ defense completely eliminated Heisman candidate Kenneth Walker III. The nation’s leading rusher came into the game averaging 147.3 yards a game, but the Buckeyes were able to hold him to a measly 26 yards.
Meanwhile, the Wolverines came away with a victory over Maryland in convincing fashion, trouncing the Terrapins 59-18. The offense was led by an explosive game by receiver Donovan Edwards, as he hauled in 10 passes for 170 yards and a 77-yard touchdown.
Both teams now look to Saturday with victory in mind. The biggest X-factor for the Buckeyes is running back TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson matches up well against a Michigan defense that is still reeling after giving up five touchdowns to Walker III in the Oct. 30 showdown.
The Wolverines’ X-factor is junior quarterback Cade McNamara. McNamara has shown flashes of being a great college quarterback, but this will be the biggest test of his career so far. Will he prove that he can be Michigan’s next elite signal caller? Or will he fold in front of the Buckeyes like many of his predecessors?
In the end, Ohio State’s high-powered offense will be too much for Michigan to handle even with 100,000-plus fans watching in the stands of The Big House. The Ohio State Buckeyes will punch their ticket to the Big Ten Championship.
Kickoff is set for Nov. 27 at noon.
Final prediction: Ohio State 42, Michigan 31
