A look ahead to 2022’s edition of “The Game”
An edit I made of Justin Fields a few years back.
On November 27, 2021, Michigan ended their eight year nightmare of losing to the Buckeyes. However, it did not end their nightmares of playing in Columbus that date all the way back to the year 2000. If Michigan wants to win back to back games against Ohio State for the first time since 1999-2000, there’s a few keys to the game. And if Ohio State head coach Ryan Day wants to get back on track and not fall below .500 against “That Team up North” there’s some essential components to their play.
Ohio State Keys to the Game
Win the Offensive Line of Scrimmage
One of the Buckeyes’ biggest weaknesses this season and last season has been physicality up front on both sides of the ball. The run game has struggled to get going on account of the offensive line struggles. Against Northwestern, when pounding the football was crucial on account of the fifty plus mile per hour winds, the Buckeyes struggled to control the trenches on offense versus a weak Northwestern front seven. Despite losing Aidan Hutchinson to the NFL Draft last season, Michigan has an incredible defense that ranks third in the nation in yards per play, tied for tenth in total sacks, and first in total rush defense. If Ohio State wants to win, it’s imperative that the Michigan defense is not controlling the game.
Force JJ McCarthy to Pass the Ball
It’s no secret Michigan’s Blake Corum is one of, if not the best running back in all of college football. Through nine games he’s averaging 6.0 yards per carry on just under 200 attempts to go along with 16 touchdowns. If the Buckeyes get an early lead and force the Wolverines to ease off the running game, Ohio State is golden. Michigan’s first year starter JJ McCarthy has shown flashes of being an elite quarterback, however, he is not there just yet. In the few instances where Michigan has had to rely on him, he has been shaky at best. If Ohio State can put the game in his hands, that’s a good sign for the Buckeyes.
Let CJ Stroud and the Buckeye Offense Cook
Not a single college football fan doesn’t know about the Buckeye offense. Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud is currently the Heisman Trophy frontrunner and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is undoubtedly the best receiver in the country. To put it simply, this Buckeye offense is flat out scary and it can become even more so if Ohio State can get back star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba who says it’s his goal to play in the November 26 contest. The Buckeye offense doesn’t even have to be firing on all cylinders to be dangerous, just firing on most cylinders is enough to overpower any defense.
Michigan Keys to the Game
Run. The. Ball.
As I mentioned before, Michigan’s ground game is outstanding. The Wolverines beat the Buckeyes last season by pounding the football and they're going to look to do it again. One challenge they may face with this plan is the new and improved Buckeye defense headed by new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Knowles has drastically helped Ohio State’s defense bringing them all the way to sixth in the country in total defense. Only time will tell if the revamped Buckeye defense can stop the freight train that is Blake Corum and the Michigan run game.
Don’t Give Up the Big Play
Ohio State has relied a lot on the home run ball this season. No defense has been able to find the solution to CJ Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr. and their deep ball connection this season, so if the Wolverines want a fighting chance they at least need to slow them down. Harrison Jr., the son of NFL great Marvin Harrison, is responsible for more than 50 receptions, over 800 yards, and 10 touchdowns. He is a master of racking up yards after the catch and Michigan needs to find an answer for him early on in order to reduce damage.
Avoid Getting Rattled Early
To say that Buckeye players and fans alike have waited a long time for November 26th is an understatement. It’s been four whole years since “The Game” was last played in the Shoe and it’s the first time since 2012 that Ohio State vs. Michigan will be played in Columbus following an Ohio State defeat. For that reason and the fact that “The Game” will likely be a tie-breaker to see who represents the B1G East in Indianapolis for the B1G10 Championship Game, Ohio State has every reason in the world to play with their pants on fire. For Michigan to secure a victory they must play a full four quarter game and not get caught up in the crowd noise and excitement of the most anticipated game in all of college football.
As beloved commentator Gus Johnson has said repeatedly, “Ohio State and Michigan are two freight trains on a direct collision course for November 26.” No matter who wins, there will be dramatic implications on the college football playoffs, recruiting, coaching positions and of course bragging rights.
