RUN THE BALL
Ohio State has four straight games of 228 yards or more on the ground. This has lifted the team’s rushing attack to 22nd nationally. Terrelle Pryor, Brandon Saine, and “Boom” Herron should have no problem moving the ball against the Michigan defense that ranks 84th in the nation in stopping the run. It’s quite simple. Expect the offensive attack for the Buckeyes to stay on the ground.
DEFENSE STAY GROUNDED
Yes, the Ohio State defense is good. However, their pass defense has shown some weaknesses throughout the year, especially against Purdue. Iowa also moved the ball well through the air last week until overtime. Michigan runs a spread offense and look for QB Tate Forcier to air it out down field. Ohio State could be in the nickel defense for the majority of the game. However, they cannot get too excited to make the homerun play. They need to stay grounded and not let anyone behind them. The Michigan offense is capable of exploding at any time.
BRANDON GRAHAM
The lone bright spot on the Michigan defense is senior DE Brandon Graham. The Wolverines will be looking to contain Pryor to the pocket. If they can do this, Graham will have plenty of opportunities to put pressure on Pryor and force him into making bad decisions. Graham has 8.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss this year.
STAY FOCUSED
Will the Buckeyes come in overconfident? They have already clinched a trip to the Rose Bowl and at least a share of the Big Ten title. Will they enter the Big House focused and prepared to hand Michigan their sixth straight loss in the rivalry? Or will this be a repeat of Purdue? The Wolverines will lay everything out on the line in this game because they have to beat the Buckeyes today to become bowl eligible. How will the Buckeyes handle the intensity brought by Michigan?
ENVIRONMENT
Many people consider this to be the greatest rivalry in all of sports. Terrelle Pryor has already competed in one chapter of the game. However, his second chapter will take place on the road with 106,000 screaming fans. Don’t expect the Michigan faithful to be silent at all during this game. They know they have to beat the Buckeyes to have a chance at playing in a bowl game.
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