Michigan Football: 5 predictions for the Wolverines against Ohio State

The running game will be deciding factor

The weather could be a factor as there is a forecast for snow and some windy conditions. When that has happened in other games this year, Michigan football has turned to the ground. The only problem is that Ohio State’s defense is better than any UM has faced.

Chase Young heads a dominant front seven. The Buckeyes lead the nation in points allowed and moving the ball has proved very difficult.

For Michigan to do it, the Wolverines have to go something going on the ground. Around 100 yards or so is essential. Zach Charbonnet and Hassan Haskins are different kinds of backs than Michigan has had in recent years and the offensive line is stout too.

Both defenses allow fewer than three yards per rush attempt, so don’t expect a ton of huge plays on the ground. Ohio State has Dobbins and Fields, while Michigan will need to try and get Patterson involved running the ball along with Charbonnet and Haskins.

It just seems like the ground game will be a huge factor. If Michigan can limit Ohio State and force it to be one-dimensional, UM should be able to get pressure and that’s when the Wolverines are at their best.

At the same time, Michigan’s offense needs to use the running game to work the clock, keep Shea in manageable situations and slow down the pass rush. The running game is critical on both sides of the ball for the Wolverines and without winning that part of the game, it’s hard to see an upset.