Ohio State vs. Michigan: Complete Game Preview
The 12th-ranked Michigan Wolverines will host the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday for the 2015 edition of "The Game."
Both programs need a victory and are hoping for a little help to reach the Big Ten Championship Game.
Ohio State (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) could've set up a winner-take-all matchup. But the defending national champs fell to the Michigan State Spartans 17-14 despite Connor Cook being sidelined.
Michigan (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten) dispatched Penn State 28-16, inching closer to a 10-win season for only the second time since 2006.
According to Odds Shark, Michigan is a 1.5-point favorite. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET and will be televised on ABC.
Ohio State Keys to Victory
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Get Some First Downs, Huh?
Michigan State managed to derail the Buckeyes' perfect season because of a beyond-elite defensive performance. Ohio State notched a total of five first downs in the loss.
Five!
Additionally, MSU held J.T. Barrett and Co. to a 4-of-14 mark on third-down conversions. Unless the Buckeyes accomplish a handful of one-play scoring drives or nonoffensive touchdowns, that's a recipe for disaster.
Michigan only allows 16.2 first downs per game, so Ohio State's offense better make its possessions count. A repeated inability to sustain drives would mean loss No. 2 is likely headed to Columbus.
Pressure, Pressure, Pressure
Jake Rudock is on a tear, but Ohio State boasts one of the best defensive fronts Michigan has faced this season.
Although Joey Bosa is the headliner, Tyquan Lewis, Sam Hubbard and Adolphus Washington have benefited from the extra attention Bosa receives and each tallied more sacks. Overall, the Buckeyes have notched 32 sacks on the year, which ranks 13th nationally.
Following a rough start, Rudock has done an outstanding job protecting the ball—partly because the offensive line has done an outstanding job protecting him. But Penn State offered a reminder just last week that a defense can create a couple turnovers if it pressures Rudock.
Michigan Keys to Victory
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Dictate the Flow
Each of Indiana, Maryland and Michigan State hung around with Ohio State because of a productive rushing attack. So head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Tim Drevno will probably try to pound away on the ground.
However, they certainly aren't blind to the struggles Michigan's running game has encountered. The Wolverines have managed an unimpressive 3.4 yards per carry.
Michigan needs a balanced offense to win, though that doesn't mean relying on the backs. Jake Rudock can complete a couple short passes to set up third-and-manageable situations, too.
As long as the Wolverines control the flow and shorten the game like MSU did, they'll be in a great position to win.
Cut Down on Penalties
Excluding a 10-penalty day against Oregon State, Michigan had played a relatively clean brand of football. The team averaged 5.6 flags for 54.1 yards through nine games. Not great; not terrible.
But something strange has happened lately. The Wolverines are anything but disciplined, considering they've racked up 26 penalties for 189 yards in the last two outings alone.
Free negative yards on offense and gifted first downs on defense may as well be free points for Ohio State. In what should be a one-possession outcome, free isn't always good.
Ohio State Players to Watch
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Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back
Frustration is a part of football, especially after losses. Ezekiel Elliott probably crossed a line, however. After receiving only 12 carries in the loss, the junior expressed his discontent.
"What happened today was just kind of a bad, bad dream," he said, per Tim May of the Columbus Dispatch. "The offense had a bad day. I'm disappointed—I'm disappointed in the play-calling. I'm disappointed in the situations we were put in. I wish it all played out differently."
Head coach Urban Meyer will likely address the comments behind closed doors, so Elliott's playing time probably won't be limited.
Against a typically stout Michigan defense, though, Elliott might find himself in another frustrating situation. His response to the challenge will be a key storyline.
Raekwon McMillan, Linebacker
The key to stopping Michigan's backs—or any runners, for that matter—is a strong push up front that keeps offensive linemen from moving up to the second level. That allows linebackers to finish the tackle before the player really gets going.
Enter Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State's tremendous sophomore linebacker. He's registered 105 total stops, yet only four are for loss. McMillan is a constant presence just beyond the line of scrimmage.
Teams are hesitant to run outside on the Buckeyes because Joey Bosa, Joshua Perry and Darron Lee are on the outside, while Vonn Bell closes the gap from his safety spot.
McMillan is the key to preventing Michigan's power running game from breaking any big runs.
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Michigan Players to Watch
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Jake Rudock, Quarterback
Earlier this season, Jake Rudock looked like nothing more than a game manager at best. He committed more than a handful of turnovers and had no downfield connection with receivers.
All the senior has accomplished in November is become the first quarterback in Michigan history to compile three consecutive 250-plus-yard games.
During the month, Rudock has completed 69.7 percent of his passes for 1,033 yards and 10 touchdowns while throwing two interceptions.
The Iowa transfer has become the key element of the Michigan offense, and Rudock must keep his November form for the biggest game of the year.
Jourdan Lewis, Cornerback
A game between two highly ranked schools always brings great matchups. But most of the attention for Saturday's contest will likely go toward Jim Harbaugh vs. Urban Meyer, Ezekiel Elliott vs. the Michigan defense and Joey Bosa vs. the Michigan front.
Let's not forget about the battle between Michael Thomas and Jourdan Lewis, two potential first-round picks on the outside.
Thomas has scored a touchdown in eight of 11 games, and Lewis is tied for the national lead with 21 passes defended—which is also a program record.
Michigan State limited Thomas to two receptions for just eight yards. Can Lewis do the same, or will Thomas get the better of the standout Michigan corner?
What They're Saying
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Ohio State
According to Eric Seger of Eleven Warriors, senior linebacker and team captain Joshua Perry said the Buckeyes have no choice but to regroup after the tough loss and show their merit against a tough Michigan team.
"We don't have any other response. If we don't, then we're just a phony team."
Michigan
Angelique S. Chengelis of the Detroit News notes junior tight end Jake Butt called Michigan-Ohio State the greatest rivalry in all of sports and said to expect a great game.
"It's going to mean a lot for both teams. We don't want to lose to them; they don't want to lose to us. It's one of those situations where we're going to be at our best; they're going to be at their best. You're probably going to see a great game."
Prediction
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For the first time since 2007, "The Game" matters to both programs in the conference picture. If Michigan State falls to Penn State, the winner will represent the East Division in the Big Ten Championship Game.
If the rivalry itself isn't enough motivation, there's the extra meaning.
But these teams understand what's at stake. The Buckeyes want to bounce back from a crushing loss, and the Wolverines are looking to earn only their second series win since 2003.
However, Ohio State's defensive talent will be the difference. Jake Rudock commits a turnover in plus-territory, giving the Buckeyes an extra scoring opportunity and ultimately a three-point win.
Prediction: Ohio State 23, Michigan 20
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from CFBStats.com. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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