Michigan football: Previewing the Wolverines against Ohio State

Michigan’s defense will be a significant factor in “The Game”

Heading into this weekend’s match-up, Ohio State will boast the nation’s No. 1 total offense, along with the No. 1 scoring offense and No. 1 in touchdowns scored.

The Buckeyes, who embarrassed Michigan State’s defense last Saturday on their way to a 56-7 victory on their senior day, will be the most formidable challenge that an outstanding Michigan defense has seen all season.

The Wolverine defense may be the toughest the Buckeyes have seen as well. The only defense more formidable than Michigan’s that Ohio State has seen yet was Penn State. Against the Nittany Lions, the Buckeyes only scored 33 points in their first-ever “scarlet out” night game. On the road in the biggest game of the year so far, Michigan’s defense may propose more of a challenge.

As Michigan’s defense gears up for this Saturday, the Wolverines are ranked 7th in scoring defense and 9th in total defense.

The bright spot of this stellar defense is the defensive line, led by senior Aidan Hutchinson and junior David Ojabo. These two edge rushers have led Michigan to 29 team sacks and have helped the Wolverines earn a top-10 ranking in passing yards allowed this season.

Against Ohio State, the Wolverines will need their pass rush to pressure freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Buckeye offensive line is ranked 13th in sacks allowed, and 7th in tackles for loss allowed, meaning Michigan football has a tall task ahead if it wants to slow down the monster that is Ohio States’ offense.

If Michigan can put pressure on Ohio States’ offensive line and slow down the run, it should be able to hold off the Buckeyes, at least enough to give the offense a chance. There is no question that Ohio State will score; the Wolverines need to slow them down.