Football: Ohio State looks to make it six straight wins against rival Michigan
“The Game” returns Saturday.
Having already punched its ticket to the Big Ten Championship game, No. 9 Ohio State (9-2, 7-1 Big Ten) will travel north to take on its rival, No. 24 Michigan (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten), to finish the regular season. The two teams will clash for the first time since the first-ever overtime game between the rivals last season in which Ohio State won 30-27 on a walk-off touchdown in double-overtime by H-back Curtis Samuel.
Ohio State offense vs. Michigan defense
One of the top offenses in the country will square off against one of the top defenses in the nation Saturday, with Ohio State’s potent offense (third in the nation in scoring) and Michigan’s stout defense (11th in the nation in fewest points allowed) pinned against one another.
The heart and soul of the Wolverines’ defense this season has been its ability to stifle opposing aerial attacks. Michigan’s top-ranked pass defense has allowed 144.4 yards per game and the third-fewest yards per attempt at 5.7. Only once this season has Michigan allowed more than 200 passing yards and it has yet to allow multiple passing touchdowns in a single game.
That passing defense has been carried by the performance of two of its starting safeties, Khaleke Hudson and Tyree Kinnel. The pairing are No. 2 and 3 in total tackles on the team, respectively, and both have a pair of interceptions so far this season. Hudson also has forced two fumbles while Kinnel returned an interception for a touchdown.
This secondary will be tested Saturday, however, against the top passing offense it will face all season. Before Ohio State, only Penn State cracked the top 25 in passing yards per game at No. 24, and Ohio State sits firmly six places ahead of them at No. 18. The Penn State offense put up 282 passing yards and a touchdown against Michigan’s defense.
Michigan’s front seven, led by Butkus semifinalist linebacker Devin Bush, defensive tackle Maurice Hurst and defensive end Rashan Gary, will apply pressure to the offensive line and quarterback J.T. Barrett. The Wolverines are tied for seventh in sacks per game with 3.27, and Bush, Hurst and Hudson all have more than five sacks.
However, Ohio State’s offense has gone away from the passing game lately, posting its two fewest pass attempts over the past two games.
That is why so much of this game will come down to Michigan’s ability to stop the run. The Wolverines have been one of the top teams in the nation at stopping the run, allowing the 15th-fewest yards per game (116.8) and 17th-fewest yards per carry (3.41).
Entire article:
https://www.thelantern.com/2017/11/...-it-six-straight-wins-against-rival-michigan/
