College Football Playoff Implications Create a True Wild Card in Michigan-Ohio State Game

Michigan Stadium, affectionately known as "The Big House" by University of Michigan students, alumni, and fans across the world, will host Ohio State for "The Game" in Ann Arbor, MI. (UM Sports photo)

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	CFP Implications Create a True Wild Card in Michigan-Ohio State Football Game Dusty Schoenherr - Sports Tell Us Detroit News ANN ARBOR, MI – College football's most storied rivalry takes center stage Saturday at noon when top-ranked Ohio State travels to Michigan Stadium for the 121st edition of "The Game". Both ESPN's College GameDay and FOX's Big Noon Kickoff will be on site for the showdown, which carries massive implications for both teams. STAKES COULDN'T BE HIGHER The Buckeyes enter 11-0 and are looking to complete a perfect regular season while earning their first berth in the Big Ten Championship Game since 2020 and their first win over Michigan since 2019. But Ohio State head coach Ryan Day faces mounting pressure after dropping four consecutive meetings to the Wolverines. "It's been on our minds since we lost it last year," Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. said after the team's 42-9 victory over Rutgers. Last year's painful 13-10 defeat at home still haunts Columbus, though the Buckeyes channeled that disappointment into a national championship run. For Michigan, the stakes are equally compelling. The 9-2 Wolverines have won five consecutive games and could make a strong case for College Football Playoff inclusion with an upset victory. Michigan holds a 62-51-6 all-time advantage in the series, and head coach Sherrone Moore has his team believing they own this rivalry. THE BETTING LINE TELLS A STORY Ohio State opened as an 11.5-point favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook, with the over/under set at 44.5 points. The line has fluctuated significantly since May, when it started at just 5.5 points before climbing as high as 13.5 earlier this week. Sharp bettors hammered Michigan at the higher number, forcing the line back down, and while 94.5% of bets back Ohio State's moneyline, 62.4% of the money is on Michigan. INJURY CONCERNS ON BOTH SIDES Day rested star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate against Rutgers, with Smith having 69 catches for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. The move appears to be precautionary ahead of Saturday's showdown. Michigan has its own injury questions, particularly at running back. However, head coach Sherrone Moore indicated he expects running back Jordan Marshall to be available for the game. KEYS TO VICTORY Ohio State boasts the nation's top-ranked defense, allowing just 212.6 yards per game and 7.5 points per game. Led by freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, who has piloted the Buckeyes to 11 consecutive wins, Ohio State has won every game since September by at least 18 points. Michigan's path to victory lies in its ground attack. The Wolverines rank 10th nationally in rushing with 224.6 yards per game, and that formula has been the key to beating Ohio State year after year. Weather could be a factor, with typical late November conditions in Ann Arbor potentially favoring Michigan's physical running game. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Saturday will mark the 50th time Ohio State and Michigan have met with both teams ranked in the AP Top 25, the most of any rivalry matchup in college football. Ohio State is also trying to avoid dropping five straight to Michigan for the first time since the Wolverines won six in a row from 1922 to 1927. Kickoff is set for noon ET on FOX from Michigan Stadium, with both pregame shows starting at 9 a.m. The winner takes a major step toward Indianapolis and the College Football Playoff.