Michigan football: Previewing the Wolverines against Ohio State

No. 2 Ohio State at No. 5 Michigan: What to expect

For the first time since 2016, both Michigan and Ohio State will be ranked in the top-5 with their eyes fixed on the College Football Playoff. Unlike 2016, however, this match-up will take place in Ann Arbor.

The last time the two teams met ranked in the top-five, Ohio State narrowly escaped in 2OT. Despite some controversial calls in that game, Michigan shot themselves in the foot with turnovers, which led to points. In 2021, Michigan football must avoid handing the Buckeyes points if it wants to have a shot at victory.

Michigan is the underdog going into Saturday’s game. Though the Wolverines will not be favored at any point heading into “The Game,” they will still have a chance.

If Michigan’s defense can keep Ohio State from scoring at will, such as their game against Michigan State, the Wolverines will have a chance. Michigan’s offense will need to score on nearly every drive, whether a field goal or a touchdown, preferably the latter. If the Wolverines can play a perfect game on offense, defense, and special teams, they may have a chance at an upset.

If Michigan wins on Saturday, it will redefine the Harbaugh era. The Wolverines will go on to a Big Ten championship and will likely face off against Wisconsin, who Michigan beat 38-17 in Madison earlier this season.

If Michigan football wins the Big Ten, it will be its first conference title since 2004 and will spark the Wolverines’ first-ever playoff berth.

A Michigan loss will be nothing new for Harbaugh’s Wolverines. Another 10-2 season followed by a New Year’s Six bowl appearance, likely the Rose Bowl.

This Saturday, we will either see Ohio State do what they’ve been doing for years by beating Michigan and playing for a conference championship, or the Maize and Blue will storm the field in a monumental game for Michigan football.

Authors prediction

With both seasons on the line and the whole world watching, this game comes down to the wire. Even though the Wolverines manage to keep it close for most of the game, Ohio State avoids the upset in Ann Arbor and beats the Wolverines, 39-28.