Key questions facing Michigan Football and Ohio State in ‘The Game’
1. What will the running game look like?
Buckeye running back TreVeyon Henderson saw brief action during the Maryland game before being taken out in the first half. Henderson, who was returning from a foot injury, was seen sporting a walking boot — not a sight Buckeye fans wanted to see.
With backup running back Miyan Williams unavailable to play due to a leg injury, that left freshman Dallan Hayden as the next man up. While Hayden had lots of success with 146 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, you can’t imagine that the Buckeyes want to head into the biggest game of the year with their third-string running back as the starter.
Along with the running back injuries, Matthew Jones, a starting offensive tackle, was hurt against Maryland. The Game could very well be won or lost in the trenches, so this is an injury to keep your eyes on.
The same question will be addressed with Michigan, but Buckeye fans are going to be holding their breath hoping for some good news.
2. Will Jaxon Smith-Njigba be available?
Star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was widely regarded before the season as the best wide receiver in the country, has appeared in just three games this year with only five receptions as he battles a hamstring injury.
Obviously, the Buckeyes have been just fine at receiver. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka have dominated the lesser competition, but against a defense like Michigan’s, the Buckeyes will have less room for error.
Bringing back an elite receiver like Smith-Njigba could be the difference in The Game. Hamstring injuries are never easy to come back from, and even if he can play there’s a significant chance he can’t play at 100%. Wolverines fans saw how impactful JSN was last year.
JSN is another weapon the Wolverine defense would have to account for. When he’s on the field, eyes are on him. While the Buckeye receiving group is likely the best in America again, I’d argue that- without JSN- this group is not as good as last year’s group that featured Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. He’d be a key addition to the Buckeye offense – or a key loss.
3. Can the run defense stop Michigan?
Any Buckeye fan will tell you that the key to November 26th is stopping Michigan’s run game. The Buckeye defense ranks 15th in run defense, yet Michigan football will be the best rushing offense the Buckeyes have seen by far.
Michigan dominated Ohio State on the ground last year. It’s how the Wolverines won. Michigan barely had to use Cade McNamara and the passing game.
The Wolverine passing game has looked unimpressive thus far. While JJ McCarthy was able to step up and make some key plays for the Wolverines against Illinois, he also was the reason the Wolverines had to settle for multiple late field goals.
McCarthy missed multiple touchdowns. The Buckeyes are going to want to make JJ McCarthy beat them. While he is definitely capable of doing so, he hasn’t shown it yet. Michigan wants to run Ohio State into the ground again. Everybody knows that, and there’s no doubt that Ryan Day isn’t reminding his defense of that.
Whoever wins the line of scrimmage likely wins the game. Both teams know this, and while Michigan has the edge on paper, they haven’t played a team as talented as the Buckeyes.