Michigan-Ohio State: The Game, v. 104

After showing some promise after the Notre Dame and Penn State games, which he started, Mallett has seemed to get progressively worse. He’s as talented as any quarterback out there, but he has proven to be extremely raw. If he has to play at all tomorrow, expect him to give away about as many points with turnovers as he does with touchdowns. He is a freshman, and he plays like one. He has a terrible throw on first and second down, then will surprise fans with an impressive throw to convert the first down. He has a cannon for an arm, but he has yet to learn to control it. So, if you are a Michigan fan, worry if you see number 15 trot on the field at some point.

Ohio State’s secondary continues to improve, and they are hardly to blame for the Illinois debacle. Cornerback Malcom Jenkins is quickly becoming one of the purest cover corners in America, and he will be matched up against one of the most dynamic receivers in the game today, Mario Manningham—who has six straight games with 100 yards or more. This will be a fun matchup to watch on Saturday. If you are at the game, just watch every so plays to see these two duke it out.

The Buckeye pass rush is very good, as the two defensive ends, Vernon Gholston and Cameron Heyward have had excellent years. The linebackers have had 10.5 sacks this year, so they will be sure to blitz early and often. Blitzing should be a part of their gameplan, because Henne would be playing hurt and Mallett is a freshman.

RUMOR MILL: The insider’s word is that Henne didn’t play last week because of a cortisone shot that hit a nerve and adversely impacted his throwing. The absolutely unverified rumor is that Henne should be close to 100% tomorrow. If true, this is an obvious boost for Michigan. Still, regardless of Henne’s health, Michigan can’t protect the quarterback very well at all, so...

Advantage: Ohio State

Key Matchup: Vernon Gholston vs. Steve Schilling.

Everyone has said that Gholston would matchup with Michigan’s all-everything tackle Jake Long. I say, not a chance. Jim Tressel will line Gholston up against the incredible mediocrity that is redshirt freshman Steven Schilling. Watch for Gholston, who has 10 sacks this year, to create terror in the backfield, and hit the quarterback several times in the game.

Ohio State Run Offense vs. Michigan Run Defense

Ohio State’s Chris Wells is big, fast, physical, and along with Hart, one of the best backs in the Big Ten. He is incredibly difficult to bring down, and every team has struggled to stop him. Ohio State uses him well, too, and has shown the willingness to relentlessly feed him the ball with the game on the line. He has never disappointed, either. He is the definition of a workhorse, and if and when Ohio State decides to use him, he will get his yards.

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