No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 2 Ohio State in Big Ten clash of titans
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The stakes could hardly be higher for this year’s edition of The Game.
A win for No. 2 Ohio State (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) or No. 3 Michigan (11-0, 80, CFP No. 3) will mean a trip to Indianapolis for the Big Ten championship game and keeping their national championship dreams alive.
While a scenario may exist that the loser of Saturday’s game could still backdoor its way into the College Football Playoff, the more likely result is a consolation bowl game and 365 days of pain.
“When you lose this game, it’s a tough year,” said Ohio State coach Ryan Day, whose team had to swallow a 42-27 beating by the Wolverines in 2021. “There’s no hiding from that.”
Both teams come into the game unbeaten for the first time since 2006. This will be the 13th time since 1942 they’ll clash as top-5 teams in the AP Top 25. Arguably, it’s the biggest game in the series since 2016, when secondranked Ohio State beat thirdranked Michigan 30-27 in double overtime.
“It’s like two superheroes going at each other,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said.
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and Michigan running back Blake Corum are Heisman Trophy candidates whose teams expect them to take charge on Saturday. It could be Stroud’s last chance to beat the Wolverines; he is eligible for the NFL draft in the spring.
For Ohio State, there is the revenge factor. The Buckeyes were No. 2 last season when they were humiliated in Ann Arbor. That loss snapped a streak of eight straight wins in the rivalry game, denied the Buckeyes a Big Ten championship for the first time in five years and killed their hopes of getting to the CFP.
“It motivated us all offseason, so we’ve worked very hard to get to this moment right here,” Day said this week. “And now it’s time to go prepare the best we can, and that’s what we’re going to focus on physically, mentally and emotionally, to go play the hardest game we’ve ever played.”
Harbaugh last year earned his first victory in the series in six tries. He’s every bit as confident this time. He called his players “happy warriors on a happy mission.”
“I think you’re going to find we’re made of the right stuff,” he said.
Corum, who was injured last week, said his left knee is fine and he expects to play. The Wolverines are also hoping his backup, Donovan Edwards, as well as tight end Luke Schoonmaker and defensive end Mike Morris will play after missing last week’s game with undisclosed injuries.
“We’re not spending any time investigating whether (Corum is) playing or not,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “Just assuming he’s going to play. He’s an exceptional back.”