REVERSAL OF FORTUNES
WOLVERINES PLAY THE RARE FAVORITE AS THEY TAKE ON BUCKEYES IN HORSESHOE
KEYS FOR MICHIGAN
Ride with Higdon: Brimming with confidence, Michigan running back Karan Higdon guaranteed victory this week. Given his production this season, there’s no reason for his conviction to wane. Higdon ranks second in the Big Ten in rushing with 1,106 yards and has anchored the offense, surpassing 100 yards in every game but two. The way Ohio State has allowed big plays in the running game, Higdon could have a banner day. Improve in the red zone: With 31 points in a win over Indiana last week, the Wolverines were within a touchdown of their per-game average of 37.2 points, but they squandered a lot of opportunities to score more. Against the Hoosiers, Michigan had eight possessions inside the red zone and came away with only one touchdown. The Wolverines settled for six field goals.
KEYS FOR OHIO STATE
Defense must solve its
issues: Ohio State thought it had corrected the problems that saw it victimized by big plays, but Maryland proved that false. Michigan uses a pro-style offense and isn’t as reliant on the misdirection that causes the Buckeyes so many problems. But the Wolverines run effectively, and Shea Patterson gives them competent quarterback play. OSU’s back seven must play its best game of the year. Maintain offensive
momentum: The OSU defense disappeared against Maryland, but the offense got back on track after a sluggish showing against Michigan State. Ohio State racked up 688 total yards against Maryland as quarterback Dwayne Haskins threw for 405 yards and three touchdowns. J.K. Dobbins added a career-high 203 yards rushing with one score as Mike Weber nursed an injury.
PREDICTION
Michigan 45, Ohio State
31: The two rivals have reversed roles, with Michigan soaring into its regular-season finale while OSU limps in after a number of close calls and uneven performances.