(Photo: San Diego Union-Tribune)

Saturday Spotlight

(2) Ohio State Buckeyes at (3) Michigan Wolverines

Ohio State: They’ve been better than anyone (myself included) thought they’d be this year. While the record maybe 11-0, this hasn’t been what we’re accustomed to seeing from them as a football team. With Justin Fields Quarterbacking them, they were one of the most prolific offenses in the country that spread the receivers out and they’d work down the field and after Justin, C.J. Stroud came in and the offense didn’t miss a beat. They were one of the best offenses in the nation and could score from anywhere on the field at anytime. That’s how electric they were. This year, you’ve seen more ball control to help Kyle McCord settle in more, but he still has the best offensive weapon that isn’t a Quarterback at his disposal and that’s Marvin Harrison Jr, or as my colleague, Israel Rivera likes to refer to him as, “Maserati Marv”! The Buckeyes have been a team to lean on the running game more and they’ve played defense at a high level once again (credit to Jim Knowles). One thing I will say throughout the year, their offense has picked it up and found its groove and that’s me saying something because the last game I broke down and previewed of theirs was the showdown in Columbus against the Penn State Nittany Lions and I remember saying on social media I wasn’t moved by them. These were my same exact sentiments when I saw them play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and that game was given to them on a silver platter with mental lapses topped on it. But once again, here they are. Undefeated, one of the top four rankings for the College Football Playoff and competing for the Big Ten East division title. Today, they face “The Team Up North” as the fans would say.

Michigan: I didn’t like how they looked last week against the Maryland Terrapins. They came away with the victory, but I saw some things that didn’t sit well with me and Maryland became the only team that scored 20 points on them all year long. There’s another thing I also haven’t cared much for these last few weeks with them. I understand they want to go out and win games for Jim Harbaugh who’s currently suspended for the sign-stealing scandal. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to dedicate wins for someone and I can appreciate the us against the world mentality, but just go out there and play because the results and actions will stand out more than the talking will at the end of the day. I’ve been saying all year this is the best team in college football and I will still stand by those sentiments. They have done it with an efficient, yet consistent red zone offense and the defense has been one of the best in the nation as they make you one dimensional and they’ve also been a great scoring defense. I know J.J. McCarthy hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass in three games, but that running game will come to the rescue by all means. We can talk about Allen and Singleton at Penn State being the best tandem of running backs in the country, but don’t forget Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards for these Michigan Wolverines because they attack defenses in different ways. Blake runs up the middle and gets those hard fought yards while Donovan will beat you with speed. It’s another year where they have one of the best records in college football and it’s come down to this again. It’s “The Game” and it’s in Ann Arbor this time around.

Ohio State X-Factor: JT Tuimoloau– He’s a wrecking ball. I remember watching him in a game last season in 2022 against the Penn State Nittany Lions and he took that game over. When JT gets it going, he’s a strong force for one of the best defenses in the country. At 6’4 and 270 pounds, JT is quick to get to wherever he wants and when he wants. He has some of the best ball skills I’ve seen for a Defensive End. Can you all tell me when you’ve seen a Defensive End with the mentality of a ballhawk? It’s rare.

Michigan X-Factor: Donovan Edwards– He’s just as valuable to this offense as Blake Corum, Roman Wilson, Cornelius Johnson and Colston Loveland are. As soon as Donovan is handed the ball, he’s looking up the field with that burst through the lanes and he’s strong enough to move the pile if he’s surrounded by tacklers. Donovan can even display patience and allows the lane to open before attacking with speed. He’s a matchup nightmare as he can catch passes out the backfield. What can’t this guy do? He’s natural when it comes to catching the ball.

Final Thoughts: In the words of the legend Ron Isley, “Here We Go Again”! Both teams are 11-0, one is ranked second, one is ranked third and the winner of this game will advance to Indianapolis to play in the Big Ten title game. This is the best rivalry in our sport by far and I’m always thrilled and honored to break it down. I’m watching the Michigan pass protection. They were exposed against the Penn State Nittany Lions and I want to see how they hold up. This Wolverines Offensive Line must make a push up front and most importantly, give McCarthy time to make a play. The next key for Michigan is to make any Buckeyes receiver not named Marvin beat you. There have been times this year where he’s been invisible to the Ohio State offense and lastly when in the red zone, the Wolverines must capitalize and show why they are one of the best red zone offenses in the country. For Ohio State, they must stop the run. The best part of Michigan’s offense is their running game and they can create with chunk plays. Secondly, Kyle McCord must be at his best. Games such as what you saw in South Bend earlier in the year prepare for games of this magnitude. You thought that night against Notre Dame was something, this will be even more at the big house! Lastly, they must win the turnover battle because nothing crushes momentum more than turning the football over, especially when you’re on the road in a hostile environment. If the Buckeyes can force a turnover or two and keep it clean when they’re on offense, they have a shot at winning this game. Each winner in this matchup has put up 40 points en route to their victory. Michigan has the edge at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football and I trust their passing attack much more than I do Ohio State’s at this moment. Michigan will win their third consecutive game over the Buckeyes.

Prediction: Michigan 24, Ohio State 20