Pregame Postage: Week 12, The Game
It’s finally here! THE GAME! I know some have been saying that this rivalry has lost its punch since Michigan is “down”, but don’t listen to that chatter. This game matters and always will! It’s cliche, but you really can throw out records, stats, and trends when it comes to The Game. Those don’t matter. What matters is what teams comes out and outplays the other on that given Saturday.
For those expecting a repeat of last year’s game, don’t hold your breath. Don’t get me wrong; I think the end result will be the same, but I really just don’t see a huge blowout. Last year was the exception to the rule that these games are hotly contested. Think the big 2006 match-up that was #1 vs. #2.
Michigan is improved over last year’s squad. And the real reason for that is Tate Forcier. He is a real QB. He knows how to play the position and that’s so important to the offense Michigan runs. Let’s be real. The guys they trotted out there last year were not QBs. And that’s why Michigan was killed on the field in Ohio Stadium.
This year they have the top offense in the conference. See what a difference a year makes? They may have only won 1 Big Ten game, but they are putting up points in all of them. I don’t expect tomorrow to be any different; especially in the first half. The difference here is that they’re going up against the top defense in the conference. If you’ll recall, the Buckeyes were only up 14-7 at halftime last year. UM’s problem is still that they have trouble putting together a sold 4 quarters. They haven’t really done that since September, when they were 4-0. Could they do it tomorrow? Possibly. Do I expect them to? No.
Now, I expect Michigan to lead in this game. Please stop laughing. I’m serious! I wouldn’t be surprised if they scored first and then held on to a lead for the majority of the first half. Real talk. Ohio State’s defense has a pattern. They seem to sit back and see what the opposing offense does for a few series before they make their adjustments. If the Wolverines can come out and score while the defense is feeling them out, that’ll keep the crowd in the game and the team will use the energy and “play above their heads” for the rest of the half.
Michigan will not run the ball effectively against this Buckeye defense. No one else has, and that trend will not be broken; especially since their best back, Brandon Minor, has been ruled out for the game. They’ve seen the script to how to move the ball on Ohio State; quick passes and roll outs. Any play that takes more than a couple of seconds to set up will be blown up by our Dline. So, if they can pull off the quick passes and “dink and dunk” down the field — while avoiding their usual mistakes and turnovers — this could be a game. If they up the tempo, that could hurt us as well. I’m implore Heacock to not have the team on its heels in a soft zone. Nothing makes me want to bang my head against a wall more than that.
Come the second half, I think they’re pretty much done scoring unless we have stupid turnovers (something TP’s really shutdown since the Purdue game) or bonehead special teams play. And after last week’s ST display, I wouldn’t rule that out. Thoma has got to be better and ST players need to tackle and not give up huge returns.
I was in the ‘Shoe last week for the Iowa game. If you were as frustrated as we in the stands were watching Tresselball, prepare yourself because you’re probably going to see a hearty dose of it tomorrow. Iowa’s defense is good and we ran allllllll over them last week. Expect to see a lot of that. But the difference is that Michigan’s secondary is garbage. I was trying to think of a not-so-harsh way to describe them, but couldn’t. Garbage is generous. Pryor to Posey will be witnessed by all tomorrow. I’m thinking we lull them to sleep with our run game, and then BOOM (no, not that Boom) a deep play action pass to Posey for a TD. Oh, you’ve seen that before, remember? The opponent was Penn State, who pretty much destroyed Michigan doing the same thing.
Word is that TP’s health is the best it’s been since he was injured in the New Mexico State game. But don’t expect to see a lot of designed runs. That’s not how the offense works anymore. Don’t get me wrong, he will run some, but he’s not going to take a bunch of carries from our effective running backs. He will get to the edge on broke plays and he will have huge gains.
The Oline has been playing lights out lately and they’re all healthy, which is music to my ears. They need to be great again because they’ll be facing one of the best defenders in the country in Brandon Graham. He’s a beast. He talks too much (like another former Wolverine) but he’s good. I wonder if he gets a change to line up against his former teammate Justin Boren. I will definitely be watching for fireworks on the line tomorrow! Should be entertaining!
Come midway through the second half, I think Michigan’s spirit will be broken and OSU will cruise to the win. If that happens, I just hope their fans don’t boo them. Y’all know I absolutely hate when fans boo their team. You’re only allowed to boo refs! 
This just the way I see things playing out. If the Buckeyes let Michigan hang around, then they will be very dangerous and the game will be close.
What I Want to See:
- How sweet the “throwback” unis look in action.
- More attack out of the defense. That means more PSU and less Iowa, in terms of performance.
- I’d like another turnover-free game from the offense.
- Ray Small is the 4th captain. I want him to take one to the house.
- 2 INTs from the defense.
- Some tribute to Stefanie Spielman. That would be classy.
- Finally, and most importantly, another win over TTUN.
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