3 keys to Ohio State-michigan game
Score early
Michigan is one of the Big Ten’s slower-paced offenses, built to grind out yards on offense and chew up clock. It ranks third in the conference in average time of possession (32 minutes per game). If Ohio State gets ahead early, it’ll put pressure on the Wolverines to keep pace, pulling them away from their preferred style of handing off to Hassan Haskins. A hot start last week led Michigan State to turn away from Kenneth Walker III, its Heisman Trophy candidate running back, as it threw the ball often.
Protect C.J. Stroud
The Buckeyes’ offensive line has given quarterback C.J. Stroud a clean pocket throughout this season. They’ve allowed the second-fewest sacks in the Big Ten and both of their starting tackles, Dawand Jones and Nicholas Petitfrere, have especially afforded him protection, surrendering only three of those sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. Two weeks ago, they handled Purdue’s standout pass rusher, George Karlaftis. Now Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson brings another challenge.
Watch out for freshmen
Ohio State should keep eyes on a pair of true freshmen and former top-50 prospects on Saturday. J.J. Mccarthy has been rotating in for quarterback Cade Mcnamara throughout the season, while running back Donovan Edwards had a breakout performance at Maryland last week when he was turned loose in the passing game. He had 10 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown, giving the Wolverines an added threat.
Key matchup
Ryan Day vs. Mike Macdonald Day had an edge against former Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown as his offense scored a combined 118 points against Brown’s defense in the last two meetings. Day was familiar with the veteran assistant. They spent two seasons together at Boston College in 2013 and 2014. But the latest playing of The Game pits him against Macdonald, an up-and-coming assistant and former linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Day said Michigan’s defense is “significantly different” under Macdonald, who brings an NFL flavor. Could it entangle the Buckeyes?
Key stat
3: Consecutive top-10 matchups between Ohio State and Michigan, following previous games in 2019 and 2018.