Ohio State vs Michigan: Wolverines Will Top Buckeyes in Defensive Showdown

The Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines renew their rivalry tomorrow afternoon, and it will be a defensive game reminiscent of the Alabama-LSU game we saw a few weeks ago. While these teams do not feature the top-ranked defenses in the nation, they do rely on their defenses to win them games, while their offenses struggle.

Things have changed in Ann Arbor since last season. A defense that couldn't stop a nosebleed last season now allows fewer than 16 points per game.

The Wolverines rely on their running game much more than their passing game this season, and dual-threat quarterback Denard Robinson helps that.

The Wolverines score 33.6 points per game because of their ground game, but they must go against an Ohio State defense that allows only 19 points per game this season.

The Buckeyes have faced quite a bit of adversity this season with NCAA allegations, Jim Tressel being fired and quarterback Terrelle Pryor going to the NFL. However, their defense has been strong throughout all of it, and they continue to hold this team together.

The Buckeyes have struggled on offense, however, and quarterback Braxton Miller is a huge part of it. What was a great passing attack last season is now ranked 118th in the nation.

The Buckeyes run for over 200 yards per game and rank No. 27 in the nation on the ground, but they are still not as good as Michigan when it comes to running the ball.

The Wolverines are better than the Buckeyes in every major category, and they will show that in their game tomorrow.

If the game were at Ohio State I would consider giving the Buckeyes the edge because they are not far behind the Wolverines in most categories, but because it is in Michigan I see the Wolverines winning a defensive battle.

Final Score: Michigan 17, Ohio State 10