TODAY’S GAME
Ohio State at Michigan, noon, ABC, 1410
As a recruit from Illinois, Ohio State senior defensive tackle Tommy Schutt didn’t fully appreciate The Game and all its implications prior to playing for the Buckeyes.
Now, four years later, Schutt is well versed in the rivalry. When asked what comes to mind when he hears Michigan, Schutt responded without hesitation, “Nothing good.”
OSU senior center Jacoby Boren echoed those feelings.
“It’s The Game. This is what you come to Ohio State for, to play in this game,” Boren said. “They don’t like us and we don’t like them. We have respect for them, but we don’t like them. We’re going to give everything we have to get a win.”
Ohio State (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten East Division) is at Michigan (9-2, 6-1) today for the 112th meeting between the bitter rivals (noon, ABC). Ohio State has won three straight and 10 of the past 11 meetings.
Here are five things to watch for:
1. Elliott on the run: OSU running back Ezekiel Elliott was critical of the Buckeyes' play-calling — especially his receiving 12 carries — in last week's 17-14 loss to Michigan State. In hindsight, OSU coach Urban Meyer said Elliott should have been more involved in the offense. He'll likely get his chance.
Elliott rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns in Ohio State’s 42-28 win last season.
A few teams would take those numbers againast Michigan's 3-4 defense. Maryland (29 yards rushing), Northwestern (38), BYU (50) and Michigan State (58) struggled on the ground against a Michigan defense that ranks fourth in the nation allowing 100.2 yards rushing per game.
2. Meyer vs. Harbaugh: The coaching match-up feels like a reincarnation of Woody Hayes versus Bo Schembechler, though a bit toned down despite Michigan's Jim Harbaugh crushing a buckeye on Schembechler's grave Tuesday.
Both have their teams among the top college programs with Ohio State at No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings and Michigan No. 10. And it all started in the same Mercy Hospital in Toledo. Harbaugh was born there Dec. 23, 1963. Meyer was born there July 10, 1964.
“I always say my reaction to the coach vs. coach buildup is — he’s not going to be blocking anybody, he’s not going to be tackling anybody,” Harbaugh said. “I’m going to be over on our sidelines blocking and tackling nobody.”
3. Sunday distractions: Elliott and backup quarterback Cardale Jones are likely gone to the NFL after this season. It could be the start of a significant exodus of talent. Junior defensive end Joey Bosa, projected by some to be the No. 1 draft pick, and junior receiver Michael Thomas are considered first-round talents.
Senior offensive tackle Taylor Decker and senior defensive tackle Adolphus Washington are also projected as high draft picks.
4. A dash of Peppers: Michigan redshirt freshman Jabrill Peppers has drawn comparisons to 1997 Heisman Trophy winner and Wolverines double-threat Charles Woodson.
Peppers has 11 carries for 43 yards and two touchdowns and six catches for 54 yards. Harbaugh could unleash him even more against Ohio State. Peppers mostly plays safety (40 tackles, 10 pass break-ups) and has seen action at nickel back, wildcat quarterback, slot receiver, wide receiver and as a punt and kickoff returner.
5. What's next?: That won't be decided determined until the Michigan State-Penn State game ends. A Michigan State win clinches the Big Ten East Division and trip to the conference title game against 12-0 Iowa for the Spartans. A loss and the winner of Ohio State and Michigan advances to play Iowa in Lucas Oil Stadium next Saturday.
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