Buckeyes hoping to continue dominance
Ohio State on 8-game win streak vs. Michigan
Here is the scouting report for Saturday’s Ohio State-michigan game:
The last meeting
In 2019, Ohio State took a 21-3 early lead and rolled to a 56-27 victory in Ann Arbor behind 211 rushing yards and four touchdowns by running back J.K. Dobbins. Justin Fields threw for four touchdowns and 302 yards, one of which came after he suffered an injury scare. Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson did his best to keep the Wolverines in it by throwing for 305 yards against a depleted Buckeyes secondary.
It was the eighth consecutive victory by Ohio State in the series. The Osumichigan game last year was canceled because of a COVID-19 outbreak among the Wolverines.
State of the Buckeyes
Ohio State is coming off its most complete performance of the season, a 56-7 blowout of then-no. 7 Michigan State. The Buckeyes scored touchdowns on their first seven touchdowns to take a 49-0 halftime lead. OSU’S defense held Heisman hopeful Kenneth Walker III to only 25 rushing yards in six carries, aided by the huge Buckeye lead that forced the Spartans to throw. Backups played most of the second half as starters got rest, with their thoughts already looking ahead to this game.
State of the Wolverines
Far better than most expected it to be at this point. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh took a major pay cut to return and revamped his coaching staff in what was considered a bit of a Hail Mary to save his
tenure. So far, it has worked. Michigan’s only loss was a game it should have won. The Wolverines squandered a 16-point second-half lead against Michigan State in their only loss. But they’ve regrouped since then, going on the road to beat Penn State and then routing Maryland last week 59-18.
When the Buckeyes have the ball
Ohio State’s offense: The Buckeyes’ offense is back on a roll after having redzone issues against Penn State and Nebraska. Ohio State’s offense is dangerous across the board. Freshman running back Treveyon Henderson is an explosive runner who has gotten better at fighting for tough yardage. Miyan Williams is a nice complementary runner. Ohio State’s passing game has looked unstoppable when it’s clicking. C.J. Stroud is now the Heisman favorite, helped greatly by having superb protection from the offensive line and a trio of gifted receivers
in Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-njigba.
Michigan’s defense: It starts with defensive ends Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo, who have been consistently disruptive. But the rest of the defense has been quite solid. The Wolverines rank seventh nationally in scoring defense, yielding 16.3 points per game and ninth in total defense (306.6 yards per game). The secondary features Daxton Hill and DJ Turner, who’ll be tested by OSU’S passing game.
When the Wolverines have the ball
Michigan’s offense: Quarterback Cade Mcnamara started the season as a game manager, but has gradually expanded his game. J.J. Mccarthy, a bluechip freshman, is not the passing threat Stroud is, but that part of Michigan’s offense isn’t the liability it was early in the season. But Michigan’s bread and butter is its run game. Hassan Haskins is a power back while Blake Corum, who is expected back after missing two games with an injury, is more explosive. The Wolverines don’t have a receiver on the level of OSU’S. Cornelius Johnson is the leading receiver with 34 catches for 539 yards and three touchdowns. But tight end Erick All, running back Donovan Edwards and receiver Andrel Anthony have each had big games.
Ohio State’s defense: The Buckeyes answered a shaky performance against Purdue with a dominating one against Michigan State. The defensive line, led by Zach Harrison, Tyreke Smith and Haskell Garrett, was continually disruptive, and the pass defense was solid when Michigan State was forced to throw. Ohio State’s run defense will be challenged by Haskins and possibly Corum. The Buckeyes are thin at linebacker and it’s a real area of concern if Cody Simon, who was injured last week, can’t play.
OSU player to watch and why
C.J. Stroud: This is his first Michigan game and he’ll need to be the same unflappable quarterback he’s been all season. Michigan’s pass rush could be an issue. If it is, Stroud will have to take shots and keep delivering passes on time and with accuracy.
A big game against the Wolverines could all but clinch the Heisman for the redshirt freshman.
Michigan player to watch and why
Aidan Hutchinson: He might be the best player on the field, and the Wolverines will need him and fellow defensive end David Ajabo to harass Stroud to take pressure off the Wolverines’ secondary. Hutchinson is the full package. He’s quick and strong, but his best attribute might be his relentlessness. Hutchinson will move from side to side. He’ll be a big challenge for OSU tackles Nicholas Petitfrere and Dawand Jones.