Week 13 Pick: 5 Reasons Why Michigan Will Beat Ohio State

The Michigan Wolverines have not beaten their arch rival since 2003. Lately, the Buckeyes have embarrassed Michigan. With a new Big Ten format with two divisions, new head coaches, the Buckeyes having a sub-par year and Michigan showing some promise, now is ample time for the Wolverines to take over this rivalry once again.

5. The Big House

Michigan has been perfect at home this season, and this is not going to change. This season, Michigan has outscored its opponents 267-82 at home. In addition, Braxton Miller a freshman, will struggle to perform in a rivalry game with over 110,000 Michigan fans screaming at the top of their lungs, hungry for a Michigan win over the Buckeyes.

Michigan Defense

This year, Michigan has done a complete turnaround when it comes to defense. This season, Michigan is currently sixth overall in FBS in points against, this stingy defense has only been giving up 15.6 points per game. Pair that statistic up with a Buckeye team that has a passing attack that ranks 118th in the nation and things bode well for the Wolverines.

Fitzgerald Toussaint

The 5’10’’ 200-pound sophomore has been stepping up recently to add another element to the Michigan rushing attack. In the past two games, Toussaint has carried the ball 56 times for 330 yards and three touchdowns. Last week the Buckeyes struggled to hold back the Penn State ground game that ran away with 239 yards and two touchdowns. Look for Toussaint to have a big game while the Buckeyes try to contain Denard Robinson.

Brady Hoke

In Brady Hoke’s first season as head coach, he took a struggling Wolverine team that was embarrassed in last year’s Gator Bowl loss against Mississippi State to a team who could potentially have a 10-win season. Brady Hoke, understands this rivalry, he served as an assistant coach from 1995-02. This is a refreshing change of pace from the Rich Rodriguez era, where he had no affiliation with the rivalry or the Michigan football program.

Denard Robinson

Denard Robinson is the number one reason why the Buckeyes stand no chance this year. Robinson has thrown for 1,791 yards with 15 touchdowns. In addition, he is also the leading rusher with 174 carries for 947 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. It is very possible that Denard could eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for rushing this season this game. Brady Hoke has really done an amazing job this year on making the transition for Robinson as smooth as possible. Ohio State will have much difficulty containing Robinson and ultimately this will result in the Buckeyes losing this game.