Rivalry Week Preview: The Big Ten

Written by Carter Ball

1 Ohio State at 15 Michigan

Undefeated Ohio State comes into this matchup undefeated but untested. Due to blowouts against inferior competition, the Buckeyes' starters have only had to play a complete four quarters of football twice this season. It will be interesting to see if OSU’s blowout-oriented play style serves as an advantage or disadvantage for an extremely well-rested Ohio State team.

Michigan enters this matchup as a tough team to get a read on. The Wolverines are extremely young, with more than 33% of the team's snaps coming from freshmen, but have also shown flashes of both greatness and mediocrity throughout the year.

Gameplan

Ohio State: Throw the ball early, run the ball successfully in the second half and stop the run.

1. Throw the Ball Early: Despite ending in one of the most embarrassing rivalry losses in recent memory for the Buckeyes in last year's matchup against Michigan, the Buckeyes started that game off strong. Jeremiah Smith had an early touchdown catch, and the Buckeyes' passing attack looked like it was rolling. If the Buckeyes want a different result this year, they are going to need to do the same and push the ball downfield early to gain a lead before running the ball in the second half and protecting the clock.
2. Run The Ball Successfully and Stop the Run: Speaking of the clock and the ground game, it is important for Ryan Day to remember that he can not score if he does not have the ball; stopping the run game for Michigan will be the Buckeyes' top priority. Quick possessions from Michigan, even if they end in points, will not kill the Buckeyes.

Michigan: Run the ball, blitz, and attack Davison Igbinosun.

1. Run The Ball: In this rivalry, whichever team comes away with more rushing yards comes away with a victory over 80% of the time. The Wolverines' game plan this year will be no different.
2. Blitz: One of the benefits for Michigan of OSU’s lack of second-half games this year is that first-year QB starter Julian Sayin has not had much experience picking up blitz reads, coverage disguises, etc., against competent defenses. Michigan's DC Wink Martindale, who has years of NFL experience, was able to make Will Howard's life hell last year in Columbus by dropping 7 into coverage and taking away the easy throws the Buckeyes have become accustomed to. This year, against a non-veteran QB, I expect many more blitzes and disguised coverages.
3. Attack Davison Igbinosun: Igbinosun, OSU’s CB1 this season, has had his career at both Ole Miss and Ohio State defined by his penalty troubles. A whopping 16 penalties last season from the DB (more than a penalty a game) should give Michigan WR Donovan McCulley (who is 3 inches taller than Igbinosun) hope that on a jump ball, he can consistently come away with either the ball or yellow laundry. I can almost guarantee multiple penalties from Igbinosun tomorrow afternoon.

Writer’s Prediction

This will be a classic. I expect massive games from Jordan Marshall and Caleb Downs, but after losing more than ¾ of the group's production on the offensive and defensive lines this offseason, I don't see a world where Ohio State can out-physical Michigan. The most physical team will win, and it will be Michigan as it has been for the last four years.

24-20 Michigan Victory

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6 Oregon at Washington

If Washington hadn’t slipped up against Wisconsin two weeks ago, this matchup would be on par with Michigan-Ohio State. However, the Huskies still have a chance to ruin their rivals' season. Usually, a 10-2 Big Ten team would be a lock to make the playoff. However, after the downfall of Penn State, and the lack of a premier out-of-conference game, the Ducks' quality of schedule may be too poor to clinch a spot without 11 wins. I expect a motivated Huskies team to upset the Ducks and knock them out of the playoffs. Rivalry madness is incoming.

Writer’s Prediction: 23-17 Washington Victory