We are just four days away from 'The Game." Michigan football is seeking its fifth straight win over Ohio State in another critical game for both teams.
It means more for Michigan, in terms of this season. If the Wolverines don't beat the Buckeyes this week, they won't make the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State could still make the Big Ten title game with a loss. The Buckeyes will make the College Football Playoff either way.
So it's not do-or-die like it was for these teams in 2021 or 2023. Ohio State lost the Michigan football last season then won the national title as a two-loss team.
The stakes are still incredibly high, though. That doesn't need to be explained and here are five questions facing Michigan football against Ohio State.
Can Michigan win the rushing battle?
The team that rushes for more yards wins "The Game." That's the formula Michigan used over the past four years. It was also the formula used by Urban Meyer during his era of domination.
The more physical team wins the game. I know Ohio State has incredible receivers, assuming they can play, but if Ohio State is stuck in third and long all day, it could be a struggle.
The Wolverines have to run the ball to win. Bryce Underwood has taken some postive steps forward in recent weeks, but Michigan probably needs to rush for close to 200 yards to win. Against one of the best run defenses in college football, it won't be easy.
That's also where "The Game" will be decided.
How aggressive will Ryan Day be?
Much of the narrative last season was about how Ryan Day was too scared to throw the ball downfield. That's not true, of course. Ohio State tried to throw plenty. The problem is that the Buckeyes were always in difficult situations,
Michigan also played a light box because it had Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. Rayshaun Benny was part of that too. He will need to dominate on Saturday, along with Derrick Moore, Trey Pierce, and others.
But you can definitely expect the Buckeyes to take more shots against cornerbacks Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry. The past few weeks, the pass defense has been shaky, so it's a real reason for concern.
Which Bryce Underwood will show up?
Outside of the running game, this is the biggest key. If Bryce plays as he did against Maryland, or during the Washington game, or even the second half against Wisconsin, then Michigan football will have a great shot at pulling the upset.
Underwood made one poor throw last week. Outside of that, he dropped a dime to Andrew Marsh for a touchdown. Michigan isn't going to beat Ohio State 13-10 again.
This offense also isn't going to pass for 62 yards. If Underwood can avoid interceptions, and if U-M can run the ball, an upset could easily happen. Michigan needs to hold up in pass protection, too.
Can Michigan pressure Julian Sayin?
As good as Julian Sayin has been this season, Michigan will be the best defense he has faced. Texas is right there and the Buckeyes scored 14 points.
That was probably the best offense Ohio State has faced this season, outside of maybe Illinois. Ohio State also hasn't faced a pass rusher like Derrick Moore, who has 11 sacks. Jaishawn Barham can be assignment shaky, but he is a dangerous pass rusher.
If Michigan limits Bo Jackson, much easier said than done, and forces Ohio State into obvious passing situations, that will be a good thing for Barham. It will also give Michigan its best chance to slow down Ohio State.
Can Michigan avoid a special teams gaffe?
According to the Kelley Ford ratings, Michigan has been one of the worst teams in college football on special teams. That can't be the case on Saturday.
The Wolverines can't leave points/yards on the field. They also can't afford to have a turnover or to give up a big play.
Ohio State has enough advantages in this game. Michigan needs to find a way to make the kicking game not one of them, such as Andrew Marsh returning punts. The good news is that the Ford Ratings have Michigan football at 127th. Ohio State is 104th.