Michigan Football: Previewing the Ohio State Game

It's finally here: Ohio State-Michigan week.  There is no other week like it, as this is easily the best week of the year.

It may mean just a little more to fans this year, as we all know the streaks that are just waiting to be broken on Saturday.

Even though the Bucks do have five losses this year, they still have some playmakers that fans need to be aware of.

Here is an in-depth look at some of the biggest aspects of this game.

Michigan Rush Offense vs. Ohio State Rush Defense

As usual, Michigan is tearing it up on the ground this year, rushing for over 230 yards a game.  That is 12th best in the country.

Denard Robinson really hasn't been that much of a factor on the ground in recent weeks. 

He hasn't needed to be, though, as the emergence of Fitzgerald Toussaint has been remarkable.  Toussaint looks like a different player than the one we saw earlier in the year, as he is now running with attitude and toughness.

He is averaging just under six yards a carry on the year, and has an outside shot at 1,000 yards for the season.

Denard, on the other hand, only needs 53 more yards to reach 1,000.  Chances are he gets it on Saturday.

It is a shame that Vincent Smith was injured, but maybe his poor ankle and shoulder was a blessing in disguise.  His decreased role is really what led to Toussaint's emergence.

Ohio State's defense isn't as stout against the run as they have been in years past.  They are giving up over 130 rushing yards a game, which ranks a very mediocre 42nd nationally.

John Simon is an absolute monster on the line, and Michigan will need to know where he is at all times.

If they can contain him, there aren't too many other guys to be scared of.  Johnathan Hankins is still developing, but isn't necessarily a great player yet.  Neither are Garrett Goebel, Michael Bennett or Adam Bellamy.

Tyler Moeller is really Ohio State's only sure thing at linebacker.  Storm Klein is still learning, and Ryan Shazier is only a true freshman.  Etienne Sabino has also been a huge bust so far in his career.

Andrew Sweat's status for the game is currently unknown.

Don't expect Toussaint or Robinson to run all over this defense, but they should have enough success.

Advantage: Michigan

Michigan Pass Offense vs. Ohio State Pass Defense

Michigan's pass offense has been very disappointing this year.  Roy Roundtree was expected to have a monster year, but really hasn't been much of a factor.

However, guys like Junior Hemingway and Jeremy Gallon have stepped up in a big way.  Tay Odoms has also come on strong lately.

It would be a surprise, though, if Michigan threw for a lot of yards on Saturday.  Ohio State's pass defense only gives up 187 yards a game, which is 16th best in the country.

Travis Howard has been solid at corner, while Bradley Roby has emerged as a redshirt freshman.  Christian Bryant saw action last year as a true freshman, and that has carried over to this year.  Orhian Johnson is very experienced by now, and C.J. Barnett is also settling in.

The good thing is that Michigan doesn't need to throw the ball all over the yard to win.  However, when they do, it would be nice to see one of the seniors have a good game.

Guys like Junior Hemingway, Tay Odoms and Kevin Koger have all contributed so much to this program, and it would mean a lot if one of them could catch a touchdown in their last game at the Big House.

Advantage: Ohio State

Ohio State Rush Offense vs. Michigan Rush Defense

This is arguably the best matchup to watch in the entire game.

Will Ohio State be able to run the ball on this Michigan rush defense that seemingly gets better every week?

If Michigan is able to shut down the run, then it's hard to see how Ohio State would even have a chance to win.

However, it's no easy task shutting down these running backs.

The return of Dan Herron is just what this Bucks offense needed.  He is averaging over five yards a carry, and has already rushed for over 550 yards.

Michigan will, without a doubt, focus on slowing him down.  We may also see Jordan Hall in on offense.  Even though he is only averaging four yards a carry, he just seems to be a big play waiting to happen.  Michigan needs to watch out for him in the passing game as well.

Carlos Hyde is more of a big, bruising back, as he weighs almost 240 pounds.  He is averaging just under 5.5 yards a carry, but honestly doesn't really strike fear in defenses.  It wouldn't be a surprise if he did not have an impact on Saturday.

Lastly, Michigan simply cannot let Braxton Miller run on them.  He actually leads the team in rushing, with just under 600 yards.

He is a true freshman, and will get rattled if Michigan hits him hard a few times.

This Michigan run defense has come a long way since the start of the season, and won't necessarily shut Ohio State's run game down, but they will contain it well enough.

Advantage: Michigan

Ohio State Pass Offense vs. Michigan Pass Defense

Ohio State's passing offense literally cannot get much worse.

They rank 118th nationally, finishing ahead of only Army and Navy, teams that run option offenses.

In fact, Ohio State doesn't even throw for 115 yards a game.  That is unheard of for a team like them.

With that being said, the return of DeVier Posey could change the way they run their offense.

Don't be surprised if the Bucks do throw the ball more, just because Posey is such a weapon.  Whether it's J.T. Floyd or Blake Countess on him, they will have their hands full.

The coaches also seem to be high on true sophomore Corey Brown.  His numbers aren't great, but that doesn't necessarily mean a whole lot.

Other than Posey, the receivers aren't anything special, as guys like Devin Smith, Chris Fields, Evan Spencer and T.Y. Williams could all see time.

However, they do have a weapon at tight end.  Jake Stoneburner is a guy that Michigan has to contain.  He has caught seven touchdowns this year, and is one of the few dangerous receiving threats.

If Michigan shuts down Posey and Stoneburner, it is unlikely that any other receiver steps up.

It is a no-brainer who has the advantage in this matchup.

Advantage: Michigan

Prediction

Seemingly nobody outside of Columbus is giving Ohio State much of a chance in this game...and for good reason.

Seven years of embarrassment will come to an end Saturday in Ann Arbor.

For Brady Hoke and the seniors, there will be no better feeling in the world.  For all the fans that have suffered through it, there will be no better feeling.

It is vital that the Michigan players not get too complacent or overconfident, but with Brady Hoke on the sidelines, we know that won't be the case.

With that being said, I'm not calling for a blowout, but this game likely won't come down to the final minutes either.

Once that final whistle sounds, the atmosphere in and around the Big House will be unbelievable, as Brady Hoke and the Michigan team will finally put "Ohio" back where they belong.

Prediction: Michigan, 31  Ohio State, 17