Michigan Wolverines football at Ohio State Buckeyes

Angelique S. Chengelis, Connor Earegood, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Saturday’s Michigan-Ohio State game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio (noon, Fox/950).

▶ Angelique S. Chengelis: Michigan finally got some points against Northwestern last week, and the running game clicked in the second half, but that was against the Wildcats’ defense, not Ohio State’s. Big difference. Michigan’s defense played well and kept the Wolverines in games – they held Indiana to 18 yards rushing in the second half – so things should be tight early on. The pressure is on Ohio State coach Ryan Day to break the three-game losing streak in this rivalry, and the 6-5 Wolverines appear to be taking a lose-lose, have-fun approach. Will that be enough? They’ll need some home run games, but that’s hard to imagine considering the offense has been largely ineffective this season. Pick: Ohio State, 31-10

▶ Connor Earegood: Three years ago, a euphoric crowd in Ann Arbor celebrated the end of a treacherous series. Michigan had finally beaten Ohio State, the first of three straight wins in the game. This Saturday in Columbus, Ohio State fans are likely to feel much the same way. The Wolverines don’t have the offense to keep up with the Buckeyes this year, and their defense isn’t good enough to stop a balanced Ohio State attack. There’s a reason the Buckeyes raised $20 million for this roster, and a No. 1-ranked defense and No. 10-ranked offense have lived up to expectations so far. But it’s really all about beating Michigan, which is what Ohio State will do to avoid elimination. Pick: Ohio State, 41-28