Michigan Football vs Ohio State: Roundtable predictions for ‘The Game’

How do you think this game will go? Final thoughts, score predictions, players of the game, stats predictions, etc

Jordan: As I said, I think a healthy Michigan team wins this game. I’m so torn on a decision with Michigan’s health in question. I’ll save a prediction for now, since we likely won’t know about Michigan’s health until game time. I do think JJ will play his best game in a long time. He’s going to have to, or else the Wolverines won’t have a chance. I’m looking for him to have a big day, along with cornerback Will Johnson. I see him as the best matchup for superstar receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and I think Will could slow him down. Nobody is going to stop Harrison Jr, but I don’t think he’ll be able to embarrass Will as he has embarrassed other DBs.

Josh: Michigan will have a great first-quarter script on offense and will score on a long touchdown drive first. I think this game will be tied under 20 by halftime and then the adjustment game will take place. The Wolverines are the more physical team, they proved that in the game last year, this season, and will do so in this game. Michigan will out-tough the Buckeyes and repeat as winners of “The Game” for the first time since 1999-2000. Michigan 34, Ohio State 28.

Nick: I think whoever can get stops on defense will win. Ohio State’s defense has improved, but Michigan’s unit is better. Slowing down C.J. Stroud and his offense, winning the time of possession, and out-physical them in the trenches will be the keys to Michigan winning again. Ronnie Bell and Luke Schoonmaker are difference makers for McCarthy as Michigan goes into a rabid environment and wins for the first time in 22 years, 37-29.

Cameron: I’m less concerned about OSU, cuz the more points a team scores, they will win. I’m more concerned for Michigan’s sake. I hate when analysts and talking heads only talk about ways OSU can lose instead of ways Michigan can win, but if you take off your homer glasses, it’s true. While I don’t want to admit it, OSU is still the more talented team. Michigan football will have to play up to Ohio State’s level (like last year) to have a shot to win. I think Michigan’s offense will play well, but how well is well enough to win? And how will Michigan look with or without Corum? Can JJ put the team on his back and make the necessary throw when it is needed? On defense, can Michigan get pressure on Stroud and get stops in the red zone? For this game, I am definitely optimistic and want Michigan to win, and hope they do, but I have to take Ohio State until Michigan proves they can win in Columbus, the one place they can’t seem to be victorious in the Big Ten. I have Michigan losing a close game 38-35.

Chris: Michigan football hasn’t won in Columbus in 22 years and it’s going to take a great game from J.J. McCarthy to do it again. Even if Corum plays and is 100 percent, Ohio State is going to be better against the run. This game is going to be on McCarthy and his ability to deliver. I do think he’ll play better but I just see the Buckeyes having more paths to victory. OSU 27, Michigan 24.