"The Game" is almost here and it has a much different feel than the past three seasons. Not only is Michigan football not a playoff contender, but outside of the rivalry, which is significant, this series won't have the same feel moving forward.
It's not the same in the super conference and when the teams are as good as they were the past three years, there could be some rematches.
That's not necessarily bad. Just different. Michigan football has a lot of work to do this offseason to be back in that position. Ohio State still needs a win to get into the Big Ten championship game but a loss to Michigan wouldn't knock the Buckeyes from a playoff spot.
The Wolverines are a 19.5-point underdog and here are five predictions for the Wolverines against the Buckeyes.
Michigan's D-line plays well
If there is one advantage Michigan football has going into this matchup its the defensive line. Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josaiah Stewart have all played like first-round picks. Rayshaun Benny and Derrick Moore are NFL players too.
Michigan doesn't have as much depth as in the past and Ohio State has a good offensive line. As the games go on, Michigan will probably start to wear down. We saw that happen against Texas and Oregon.
But I think this game will be different. These guys are going to go all out to keep Ohio State from ending the Wolverines three-game winning streak.
We aren't going to see five sacks, but I think we'll see at least three sacks, quite a few tackles for loss and an impressive performance for the defensive line.