Michigan Football vs. No. 2 Ohio State

After putting together its best performance of the season with a 50-6 win over Northwestern, Michigan travels to Columbus and will look to shock the college football world in a showdown with No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday.

The Wolverines (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) enter the 120th edition of “The Game” as massive 21-point underdogs against the Buckeyes (10-1, 7-1). Michigan was on a three-game winning streak in this rivalry for the first time since 1995-97, but this fall the two programs went in opposite directions. The Wolverines hold a 61-51-6 lead in the series.

Below, Michigan Wolverines on SI Editor Chris Breiler, senior writer Trent Knoop, and contributing writer Matt Lounsberry share their thoughts on the game Two bold predictions, Game previewsAnd Final result predictions.

1. There will be a one-score game in the fourth quarter

While Ohio State is the three-touchdown favorite in this game according to Vegas, I think the Wolverines will find a way to stay close through three quarters. Regardless of the final result, it will be a one-point game at some point in the fourth quarter.

2. Will Howard throws two interceptions

It’s going to be cold and windy in Columbus on Saturday, and I think that’s going to cause real problems for Will Howard and Ohio State’s passing attack. Combine that with the pressure I think we’ll see from Michigan’s top four defensively, and I had Howard with two picks on Saturday.

1. Michigan intercepts Will Howard at least once

The Kansas State transfer has been pretty clean this season with 26 touchdowns and just six interceptions. But when Howard is under pressure, his accuracy drops. According to PFF, Howard completes 79% of his throws when he has a clean pocket, but under duress, Howard completes 55.4% of his passes. Michigan’s front four should pressure Howard as injuries mount on the OSU O-line, and if they do, Howard could make a mistake – or two.

2. Michigan makes a play in the fourth quarter

This will probably make me lose some of my outcome prediction, but I don’t think this will be a slam dunk like the oddsmakers are predicting. Normally you can throw records out the window in this game, but the two teams are clearly on different paths in 2024. Michigan has struggled to win six games and the Buckeyes’ only loss is against undefeated Oregon. However, I think Michigan is better than its record suggests, and Ohio State may not be as good either. The Wolverines’ defense will leave enough room to keep Michigan in the game.

1. Dominic Zvada adds two field goals to the season total

Michigan’s kicker was outstanding all season, converting 15 of 16 field goal attempts, with the only miss coming on a blocked kick. Six of Zvada’s field goals came from more than 50 yards, the most by a Wolverines kicker in his career. It will be difficult for Michigan’s offense to move the ball against Ohio State’s defense, but I think Zvada will get a few opportunities to add two field goals to his season tally.

2. Michigan forces a Will Howard fumble and recovers

The only way to win for the Wolverines is to force the Buckeyes into some turnovers, and the best way to do that is to chase the quarterback. Michigan’s only matchup advantage in this game is its defensive line over Ohio State’s offensive line. Mason Graham, Josaiah Stewart, Kenneth Grant and their brothers up front will have to make Howard uncomfortable and pressure the quarterback into making some mistakes.

Michigan enters this match playing with house money. A Big Ten championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff are off the table, and the only thing on Saturday’s mind is pride. There’s no question that Ohio State is more talented, but we’ve also seen the Buckeyes do less with more in recent years. Everything has to go perfectly for Michigan to win on Saturday – perfect play calling, discipline on defense (along with a few turnovers) and top-notch execution on offense. I think it will be closer than most expect, but ultimately Ohio State finds a way to beat the Wolverines 6-5.

Result prediction: Michigan 17, Ohio State 24

If Michigan has a chance in this game, it will be in the trenches. The Wolverines’ front four will have to wreak havoc against the Buckeyes. Will Howard will face pressure and the Wolverines will need to force mistakes and capitalize on them. Offensively, Michigan needs to establish the run and not let anything get in the way of the game plan. This is Michigan’s national championship. But at the end of the day, all the pressure is on Ohio State and the Buckeyes have to win this game for Ryan Day. Ohio State has too many playmakers and it will be difficult to stop the Buckeyes’ offense, and the Wolverines simply don’t have enough firepower to win a shootout.

Result prediction: Ohio State 31, Michigan 21

While I can imagine a scenario where Michigan’s defensive front creates problems for Ohio State’s offense and slows the Buckeyes’ offense, I just can’t imagine the Wolverines scoring enough points to pull off that upset in Columbus. Michigan will need an exceptional performance from its defense to keep this game close. They may be able to do that early, but as empty offensive players pile up, the Buckeyes’ offense will wear down the Wolverines’ defense as the game progresses. Ryan Day also won’t let off the gas until the clock hits 0:00 in the fourth round.

Result prediction: Ohio State 37, Michigan 6

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