Ohio State (Nov. 29): W
It all comes down to this.
Michigan football would have two conference losses, according to this prediction, so a Big Ten title game berth will probably be out of reach. Yet, a win over Ohio State would get Michigan into the playoff.
If Michigan has nine or even eight wins heading into the final game, depending on how they got them, the Wolverines could be playing for a playoff spot. Ohio State will probably be higher ranked and will be the favorite, as they have been three of the past four years (four straight losses).
Jeremiah Smith has guaranteed a win. Sherrone Moore even agreed that he's the best player in college football this week. Caleb Downs isn't far behind. Yet, Ohio State had those guys last year, plus a veteran quarterback, better running backs, and an elite defensive line.
Ohio State has plenty of talent. At wide receiver, at running back, on the D-line. That's not an issue but Michigan is talented, too. The Wolverines loaded up at running back, adding some elite talent on the offensive line, and supplemented in key areas on defense.
TJ Metcalf will be a steal. Rod Moore's return will be huge and he'll be 100 percent by "The Game."
Underwood will be making his first start in this rivalry. So will Julian Sayin. He'll have to do it on the road. And he'll need to beat Michigan without a running game, because I still don't see the Buckeyes' offensive line winning the battle up front. In fact, it won't even be close.
Sayin will be pressured all day, sort of like CJ Stroud in 2021. He'll put up big numbers. Smith will actually make an impact this season, unlike 2024, when he was invisible for the entire second half, but again what has changed?
Michigan prepares for this game 365 days a year. Ohio State doesn't. Not anymore. Ryan Day still doesn't get it. The Buckeyes will get out-rushed and out-manned on both lines in what ends up as the fifth straight win for Michigan.
Michigan 26, Ohio State 20