Michigan Football vs. Ohio State full analysis and prediction

The prediction

I’ve gone back and forth on this so many times. I’m still not comfortable choosing one team. On neutral ground, a fully healthy Michigan football team wins this game. I’m confident in that. But in Columbus with health a question? Things get a bit tricky.

I think we’ll have a great idea of who’s going to win after each team possesses the ball once. If Michigan can slow down the Ohio State offense while also having success on offense, that’s a great sign. I’m expecting Ryan Day to take a shot on the first play of the game. He’s mad and wants to bury the Wolverines.

Likewise, I expect the Wolverines to pull out a play-action deep shot on their first possession with the ball. Everyone in America knows that JJ has struggled with the deep ball, so who would expect it early in the game?

Both teams will lead during the game. Michigan’s defense will keep them in the game, preventing Ohio State from getting a big lead. JJ McCarthy’s legs are going to come up big, with him converting on a few crucial third downs.

Down the stretch, I think that the Michigan defense forces a fumble from freshman running back Dallan Hayden and scores on the resulting drive to get a late lead. The ball will be in Stroud’s hands with the game on the line.

With how talented both of these squads are, my prediction comes down to coaching. Ever since he’s taken over, I’ve criticized Ryan Day for his need to call the big-shot play. He cannot stop himself from dialing up a deep ball.

While Jim Harbaugh can be criticized for many things, he’s a smarter football coach. Although I’m not confident in this, I think that Ryan Day tries to force too much on offense, and Michigan comes away with a close victory.

JJ throws for 250+ yards, Corum runs for 150+ and 2 touchdowns, and Marvin Harrison Jr. is held to under 100 yards. Michigan football wins in Columbus 31-27 after a huge defensive stand.

Go blue. Beat Ohio.