Mr. Friscus
Diamond Member
- Dec 28, 2020
- 7,030
- 7,440
- 1,938
Arguably one of the most notorious rivalries in all of sports, up there with Duke vs. North Carolina, Yankees vs. Red Sox, Lakers vs. Celtics... and this year both teams arrive (in Michigan's case limp) into an annual showdown with everything on the line.
Here's the Cliff's Notes:
Ohio State comes off of a close win against Maryland 43-30 (It was 36-30 Maryland's ball until a pick 6 sealed it). They have most of their starters from last year's team, and while they are missing their starting running backs, the 3rd stringer looked just as good if not better.
- Advantages: Better QB and Passing game, Big-Play Offense, More experienced players, Better recruiting.
- Disadvantages: Vulnerable defense
Michigan limps into the game after BARELY squeaking past formerly-ranked Illinois, winning via a game winning FG with a few seconds left 19-17. Their Heisman RB Blake Corum was injured in the first half, and their backup also was out, so like Ohio State, they had a 3rd stringer at RB too. The difference was, Michigan's was completely ineffective as well as dropping passes. Michigan also had their starting big play TE out, their WR2 was out, and their starting Left guard is out. The fill-in WR dropped a TD pass late in the game. Their QB is average at best, and succeeds feeding off of the threat of a Corum running game. Without Corum, he's largely incapable of winning a game for you.
- Advantages: O-Line and Dominant Running Game, maintain possessions, High-ranked Defense.
- Disadvantages: Multiple injuries, few returning starters from last year/lack of depth, Average inaccurate QB.
As a Michigan fan, I knew coming into this game it would be tough given the turnover Michigan had after their domination of Ohio State last year, getting their first win over their rival in a LONG time. At full health I'd have it 60-40 chance of win OSU. Depending on injuries, that could fade to 70-30 or 80-20 OSU. I hope Michigan can get their studs back so they can do give their best shot, and if they lose so be it.
Here's the Cliff's Notes:
Ohio State comes off of a close win against Maryland 43-30 (It was 36-30 Maryland's ball until a pick 6 sealed it). They have most of their starters from last year's team, and while they are missing their starting running backs, the 3rd stringer looked just as good if not better.
- Advantages: Better QB and Passing game, Big-Play Offense, More experienced players, Better recruiting.
- Disadvantages: Vulnerable defense
Michigan limps into the game after BARELY squeaking past formerly-ranked Illinois, winning via a game winning FG with a few seconds left 19-17. Their Heisman RB Blake Corum was injured in the first half, and their backup also was out, so like Ohio State, they had a 3rd stringer at RB too. The difference was, Michigan's was completely ineffective as well as dropping passes. Michigan also had their starting big play TE out, their WR2 was out, and their starting Left guard is out. The fill-in WR dropped a TD pass late in the game. Their QB is average at best, and succeeds feeding off of the threat of a Corum running game. Without Corum, he's largely incapable of winning a game for you.
- Advantages: O-Line and Dominant Running Game, maintain possessions, High-ranked Defense.
- Disadvantages: Multiple injuries, few returning starters from last year/lack of depth, Average inaccurate QB.
As a Michigan fan, I knew coming into this game it would be tough given the turnover Michigan had after their domination of Ohio State last year, getting their first win over their rival in a LONG time. At full health I'd have it 60-40 chance of win OSU. Depending on injuries, that could fade to 70-30 or 80-20 OSU. I hope Michigan can get their studs back so they can do give their best shot, and if they lose so be it.