Ohio State Michigan

Well, this game might break the hype machine by the time it kicks off. Hopefully, that will be well deserved. But, I cannot avoid doing a full breakdown, being from Northwest Ohio. So here goes.

Quarterbacks

This is a big advantage for Ohio State. Henne makes too many mistakes, and struggles to make plays out of nothing. Troy Smith is a smart quarterback, doesn't make a lot of mistakes, and has a knack for making a big play out of thin air.

Runningbacks

This is an advantage for Michigan. Mike Hart is simply amazing, and while Pittman is durable and good enough, he's not amazing the way Hart is. The questions about Chris Wells' hands and fumbleitis push it even further into the Michigan camp.

Receivers

Everyone wants to focus on Ginn/Gonzales vs. Breaston/Manningham. And while that's all good, Ohio State has the edge in the top pairs category, and an even bigger edge when you go down the depth chart (Robiskie is developing nicely, no?). Throw in a talented tight end for Ohio State, and I think they take this category nicely.

Offensive Line

I'm going to call this a push. Both teams have good units, but I think Ohio State has a more skilled unit. Having said that, Ohio State's line is a little more banged up and has been prone to stupid penalties more often. Although, the crowd could nullify that. Still, we'll call it a push.

Defensive Line

Here's another tough one. Michigan has a slightly better unit, but Ohio State has the best DLman (Pittcock). Still, the group beats the standout, so a slight edge to Michigan.

Linebackers

Again, the same problem as above. Michigan's unit is a little better, but Ohio State has the best standout. Slightest of edges to Michigan.

Defensive Backs

Now, we reverse that problem. Michigan has the best individual (Hall), but the Buckeyes have the better unit. We'll give tOSU the edge here.

Special Teams

Both teams feature good return men, reliable kickers, and good enough punters. I think Big Blue's kicker is a bit better, so we'll give Michigan the edge.



So, now, having done all that, what about matchups that actually take place on the field. I think Michigan has an advantage on Ohio State when they try to run the ball, but I'll flip it around and give Ohio State the advantage when Michigan goes to the air. I'll be the complete opposite the other way, giving Ohio State the advantage when they pass, but Michigan the edge when tOSU tries to run the ball.

I think it comes down to Ohio State needing to jump to an early start and take away the running game from Michigan. For Michigan, it comes down to controlling the ball, running well, and keeping their offense on the field for long stretches.

This is a game that can flip on a few key turnovers, and Chad Henne makes more mistakes than Troy Smith, and the Ohio State Defense is very opportunistic.

Prediction: Ohio State 35, Michigan 17.