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5 things to watch for Michigan football vs. Ohio State

By Chris Peterson

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy and coach Jim Harbaugh before action against the Purdue Boilermakers at Michigan Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023.
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy and coach Jim Harbaugh before action against the Purdue Boilermakers at Michigan Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. /
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Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy shakes hands with offensive lineman Karsen Barnhart after a score against Purdue during the second half of Michigan’s 41-13 win on Saturday, Nov 4, 2023, in Ann Arbor.
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy shakes hands with offensive lineman Karsen Barnhart after a score against Purdue during the second half of Michigan’s 41-13 win on Saturday, Nov 4, 2023, in Ann Arbor. /

Will the pass protection hold up?

Against Penn State, it was clear that the coaching staff got a little spooked by Chop Robinson, who beat Karsen Barnhart easily for a sack on the opening drive of the game.

Ohio State doesn’t have a pass rusher as talented as Robinson, but the Buckeyes have some of the best EDGE talent in the Big Ten. Karsen Barnhart more than held his own against the Buckeyes last season, but his pass protection has been an issue.

LaDarius Henderson, the preferred left tackle, has been dealing with an injury. He’s expected back for the Ohio State game, according to Sherrone Moore, but it’s a question mark.

The offensive line has to create a push up front. But also, if McCarthy is going to make the plays needed to win this game, he’s going to need time to operate, which means Barnhart, Henderson, and maybe even Trente Jones, will need to have their best game of the season.

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