Ohio State vs. Michigan: How Wolverines Will End Losing Streak Against Buckeyes

The Michigan Wolverines haven't beaten the Ohio State Buckeyes since 2003, but this year the losing streak comes to an end. 

For the first time in a while, the Wolverines enter this huge rivalry game as the better team. Things are looking up for Michigan, and even though the Buckeyes will be highly motivated to keep their streak alive, the Wolverines are extremely hungry for their 10th win on the year. 

The pain and suffering felt for many years will end this Saturday. This is the 108th time these two teams will battle, and Michigan owns the series record 57-44-6.

However, for the last seven years, the Buckeyes have been a nagging thorn in the Wolverines' side. But soon they will be set free.

Other than wanting the win so bad they can taste it, the Wolverines will win Saturday's contest against the Buckeyes for these simple reasons. 

Defense 

Entering this game last season, the Wolverines defense had given up a total of 369 points. What a turnaround this season has been, as Michigan's defense has only allowed 172 points. 

Much of the credit goes to the new coaching staff of head coach Brady Hoke and more importantly, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison. These two are changing the way Michigan plays, and the result has been an outstanding year. Of course, the players get a great deal of love too, as they're ones taking instructions well and executing better than anyone could have imagined.  

The Wolverines will clamp down on the Buckeyes and prevent them from busting the big plays. Braxton Miller doesn't stand much of a chance, as Michigan's defense practices against Denard Robinson, who is much better at creating plays with his feet. 

Ground and Pound

Between Robinson and running back Fitzgerlad Toussaint, the Wolverines are very dangerous on the ground. Make no mistake about it, they can still air it out, but their run game has been a huge plus this season.

Toussaint, a sophomore, has four games on the year with over 100 yards rushing. His last two games, he's rushed for 138 or more yards, and Ohio State will struggle to slow him down. 

The Wolverines rank No. 12 in the nation in run offense, and the Buckeyes come in at No. 41 in run defense. Even the Ohio Bobcats are better than that. Of course, it's not by much and they don't play the same level of talent, but clearly Ohio State should be better than that. 

Michigan will eat the clock up on the ground and wear out the Buckeyes defense, making for a nice easy victory. 

Home Field

Michigan is perfect at home this season, and it's going to stay that way. You, the fans, have played an essential role to the Wolverines' success.

Five home games to start the year was a great confidence boost for the Wolverines, and the 100,000-plus Michigan fans will make it an unbearable place for the Buckeyes this Saturday afternoon.

Braxton Miller and other inexperienced Buckeyes don't know what it's like to play in such a hostile environment, and they will fail under pressure.

This is a must-win game for the Wolverines, and Brady Hoke knows it, unlike Rich Rodriquez in years past. Michigan has what it takes to beat Ohio State this Saturday, but it will have to play with a level head.

While many are picking Michigan, the Wolverines can't think this is an automatic win. Hoke will have his team focused and ready to roll come Saturday. Expect smash-mouth football since this is one of college football's biggest rivalries.

Michigan is tired of losing, and this is the year the Wolverines shine bright and end the losing streak.