No. 12 Michigan (9-2) at No. 2 Ohio State (12-0)
Saturday, Noon EST (ABC)
Ohio Stadium (101,568)
CNNSI.com's Stewart Mandel breaks down this week's big game.
It's the 99th edition of this storied rivalry, with Ohio State playing for a share of the Big Ten title and a berth in the Fiesta Bowl national championship game. It's the 12th time one of the teams enters the game ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in the country, and the 41st time the game has determined the final Big Ten standings (Iowa will win the conference outright if Ohio State loses). Michigan has spoiled Ohio State's season four times since 1990, including '95 and '96, when the Buckeyes entered undefeated. Then-OSU head coach John Cooper was derided for his 2-10-1 record against the Wolverines, but replacement Jim Tressel got off to a better start last year with a 26-20 win in Ann Arbor.
John Navarre Danny Moloshok/Getty Images
Michigan's offense vs. Ohio State's defense
The Wolverines' rushing game has improved substantially the past three games behind fullback B.J. Askew (149 yards vs. Michigan State, 126 vs. Minnesota), tailback Chris Perry (175 vs. Wisconsin) and strong offensive line play, but they're unlikely to overpower the nation's fourth-ranked run defense (75.2 yards per game). The onus will be on Michigan QB John Navarre, who struggled in last year's OSU game, to make plays. He's done a better job this season of spreading the ball around, either to athletic receivers Braylon Edwards and Ronald Bellamy or highly active tight end Bennie Joppru. Navarre can expect heavy pressure from Buckeyes defensive linemen Will Smith and Darrion Scott, with linebackers Matt Wilhelm and Cie Grant floating in and out of coverage as well. Standout safeties Mike Doss and Donnie Nickey creep up on the line as well, leaving cornerbacks Chris Gamble and Dustin Fox in one-on-one coverage.
Michael Jenkins Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images
Ohio State's offense vs. Michigan's defense
It's no secret the Buckeyes' offense has lagged since losing stud RB Maurice Clarett to injury four games ago, resulting in several close calls. With his availability for this game still in question, look for OSU to again go with the combo of Lydell Ross and Maurice Hall at tailback. Michigan's defensive front is tough against the run, led by linebackers Victor Hobson and Carl Diggs, with help from safeties Charles Drake and Cato June. While the Buckeyes don't rack up massive points and yardage, QB Craig Krenzel does have a penchant for delivering the big play when needed, both with his arm and his feet. His favorite target for the deep ball is gifted wideout Michael Jenkins, while two-way threat Gamble, Chris Vance and tight end Ben Hartsock are options as well. Look for top Michigan cover man Marlin Jackson to line up against Jenkins, and for Hobson and Shante Orr to go after Krenzel with a variety of blitzes.
Special teams have been a problem for Michigan to say the least. The Wolverines are on to their third field-goal kicker of the season, Adam Finley, with the three combining to hit just eight of 20 attempts. Ohio State, on the other hand, has had the nation's most reliable player at that position, Mike Nugent, 24-of-26 on the season. OSU also has the nation's fourth-leading punter, Andy Groom (45.1 yards per kick). Neither team has been particularly dangerous in the return game.
Far and away the Wolverines' top playmaker. Coach Lloyd Carr says his talent is comparable to that of former stars like David Terrell.
Ohio State CB/WR Chris Gamble
So., 6-2, 180
2002 stats: 28 catches, 416 yards; 15 tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 TD
In last week's game for nearly 130 plays, the Buckeyes' answer to Charles Woodson has notched three potentially game-saving picks.
In light of its recent struggles against Purdue and Illinois, it's tempting to think that Ohio State is in for another season-ending disappointment courtesy of the Wolverines. The Buckeyes, however, are a completely different team at home, outscoring their foes 38-11, and in two years Tressel's teams have shown little indication they are vulnerable to a letdown. Look for OSU's defense to shut down Michigan's running game and force Navarre into mistakes, creating a low-scoring game in which only a couple big plays from Krenzel will make the difference -- and wrap up a Fiesta Bowl berth. The pick: Ohio State 19, Michigan 9
John Navarre
Michael Jenkins
