How can Ohio State football beat Michigan? 3 keys for rivalry game
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Here are three keys for No. 1 Ohio State at No. 15 Michigan on Nov. 29:
Ohio State must start fast
It’s too difficult to ignore the scars that recent losses in The Game have left behind for the Buckeyes, who have not defeated their bitter rivals since 2019. Will they get the sinking feeling that further disappointment is inevitable if they fall behind early? An early advantage would provide a rush of confidence. The Buckeyes held just a brief 3-0 lead over Michigan last year and never led in 2023. They have been ahead at halftime only once over their four-game losing streak to the Wolverines. There are schematic advantages as well. If the Buckeyes strike first, it might force their less pass-heavy opponent to air it out while playing from behind. But the mental boost would be most significant for Ohio State’s sideline.
Ohio State must get stops
Since the hiring of Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator, the Buckeyes have been one of the best at getting stops. Ohio State’s 81.9% stop rate ranks No. 3 in the Football Bowl Subdivision, according to ESPN. Four out of every five of the defense’s drives are resulting in a punt, turnover or turnover on downs. Opponents convert just 28.6% of third downs against the Buckeyes, the fourth-lowest percentage in the FBS, and have run the second-fewest total plays against them. They need the trend to continue against Michigan, which has been able to sustain long drives in the recent series, especially late in games. The Wolverines held possession for 23 out of 30 minutes in the last two fourth quarters against Ohio State. Can it get stops when it counts?
Ohio State defense must contain Michigan QB Bryce Underwood
Though he appeared to hit a freshman wall by late October and threw two late interceptions that nearly cost the Wolverines at Northwestern two weeks ago, Underwood has made strides as a passer over the stretch run. He completed 67.3% of his passes over their past two wins and threw for two touchdowns without an interception at Maryland. But his legs might be the X-factor. He has rushed for 322 yards and five touchdowns as Michigan has used him more as a runner. While his mobility has never been the focal point, it might be as important as ever as star running back Justice Haynes remains sidelined with a foot injury, leaving the backfield short-handed. The Buckeyes will need to keep him from getting loose.
Key matchup in Ohio State-Michigan game
Ohio State passing offense vs. Michigan passing defense
The quarterback play has limited the Buckeyes in their two most recent losses to Michigan. Will Howard and Kyle McCord combined for more interceptions (four) than touchdowns (three) between their starts, including throwing early picks that gift-wrapped the Wolverines’ first touchdowns. While redshirt freshman Julian Sayin has not proven as mistake-prone in his first season, having been intercepted only once in the past eight games, he’s facing a defense that makes big plays and limits them. The Wolverines have intercepted 12 passes, which ranks 19th in the FBS. They’ve also allowed just two completions that gained 40 or more yards, tied for the fewest among the 136 teams. Sayin will look to be efficient and hit some shots even if the Buckeyes aren’t at full strength at wide receiver.
Key stat for Ohio State-Michigan game
98: Years since the Buckeyes last lost more than four consecutive games to their archrivals.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com and follow along on Bluesky, Instagram and X for more.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football keys to win rivalry game at Michigan
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