Sat Nov 30 22:24:07 UTC 2024: ## Ohio State Hosts Michigan in Crucial Rivalry Game Despite Playoff Implications Dimmed
**COLUMBUS, OH -** The 120th edition of “The Game” between Ohio State and Michigan will take place this Saturday at noon ET on FOX, marking a significant rivalry clash despite diminished College Football Playoff implications this season. While the Buckeyes (No. 2) hold a comfortable position in the expanded 12-team playoff format, the unranked Wolverines (6-5) enter with a new head coach, Sherrone Moore, after Jim Harbaugh’s departure.
This year’s matchup features a stark contrast in team performance. Ohio State boasts a dominant defense, leading the Big Ten in opponent passing yards (151.7), total yards (241.7), and points (10.7) per game. Their offense shines with two wide receivers, Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, each boasting nine receiving touchdowns. Quarterback Will Howard leads the Big Ten in completion percentage (74%) and passer rating (180.6). The Buckeyes’ running game is equally potent, with Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson each exceeding 700 rushing yards.
Michigan, meanwhile, struggles offensively, ranking 17th in the Big Ten in total yards (299.7) – a significant drop from last season’s performance. Their passing attack relies heavily on tight end Colston Loveland (56 receptions, 582 yards, 5 TDs), while their defense, though featuring standout Will Johnson, has conceded four losses by at least two scores. The Wolverines have also cycled through three starting quarterbacks this season.
Despite the differing standings, the rivalry’s intensity remains undiminished. Michigan holds a 61-52-6 all-time series lead, but Ohio State has dominated the 21st century, winning 17 of 22 matchups. This year marks the first time in seven years that neither team enters ranked. The historical weight of the game, the combined 945 NFL draft picks produced by both programs, and the unpredictable nature of rivalry games ensure a high-stakes showdown on Saturday.
First Piper 