Tables Have Turned
The tables have turned in the Michigan and Ohio State rivalry. Last year Rich Rodriguez had a Wolverine team on life support as it blew through the non-conference schedule and collapsed in conference action, mostly due to its poor defense. Last year Ohio State was on its way to another BCS game and a Big Ten title, with reasonable National Championship ambitions for 2011. Rich Rod is gone after three seasons and Tressel is gone after ten season. The new Michigan hire, Brady Hoke has brought back a pro style offense and a 4-3 defense that is much closer to the dominating Michigan defenses of the past decades. Robinson is still putting up impressive running stats under the new offense, but his passing has suffered, especially the long pass.
Different Bowl Destinations
Ohio State is still looking for a passing game, and the return of Posey doesn't appear to be the solution, although it is a help. The Buckeyes must come out strong and not allow Michigan to score the first ten points. Neither Michigan nor Ohio State has a shot at the Big Ten Championship game, but Michigan has a chance at a decent bowl game. Ohio State must play the role Michigan did so well in the Cooper era, and be the spoiler. Ohio State is not playing in a bowl game anywhere near January 2, so a win or loss won't have much of an effect on the bowl destination.
What to Expect
I expect Ohio State to get 200 rushing yards and 130 passing yards. Michigan will have more yards with 225 rushing yards and 175 passing yards. Michigan will move the ball, but struggle to punch it in for a touchdown. I expect Ohio State to win 23-21.
The tables have turned in the Michigan and Ohio State rivalry. Last year Rich Rodriguez had a Wolverine team on life support as it blew through the non-conference schedule and collapsed in conference action, mostly due to its poor defense. Last year Ohio State was on its way to another BCS game and a Big Ten title, with reasonable National Championship ambitions for 2011. Rich Rod is gone after three seasons and Tressel is gone after ten season. The new Michigan hire, Brady Hoke has brought back a pro style offense and a 4-3 defense that is much closer to the dominating Michigan defenses of the past decades. Robinson is still putting up impressive running stats under the new offense, but his passing has suffered, especially the long pass.
Different Bowl Destinations
Ohio State is still looking for a passing game, and the return of Posey doesn't appear to be the solution, although it is a help. The Buckeyes must come out strong and not allow Michigan to score the first ten points. Neither Michigan nor Ohio State has a shot at the Big Ten Championship game, but Michigan has a chance at a decent bowl game. Ohio State must play the role Michigan did so well in the Cooper era, and be the spoiler. Ohio State is not playing in a bowl game anywhere near January 2, so a win or loss won't have much of an effect on the bowl destination.
What to Expect
I expect Ohio State to get 200 rushing yards and 130 passing yards. Michigan will have more yards with 225 rushing yards and 175 passing yards. Michigan will move the ball, but struggle to punch it in for a touchdown. I expect Ohio State to win 23-21.
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