Don’t Expect Buckeye Fans To Sing A Different Tune on Saturday

We have seen Ohio State dominate parts of games this year and we have also seen them get punched in the mouth.

Don’t get it wrong though, this is still one of the most talented teams Ohio State has ever assembled.

Give me this passing offense any season and I’ll take it. The D-line has been solid even without Nick Bosa. But there have been struggles, such as defending the running game and the play in the secondary.

A key thing to look at, which we have been saying for a while, is to look at the combined running game for the Buckeyes. JK Weber has over 1,600 yards rushing this season with at least one game left.

Damn solid year overall for the Buckeyes offense. The growth of Zone 6 is another huge step. Even the tight ends have made appearances and impacts, as they did in the Maryland game.

For Ohio State to move on and to make the playoffs, the defense needs to play respectable ball. The offense should have some success against Michigan, but the Silver Bullets need to return and make an impact.

The playoffs shouldn’t be the goal right now, however. Beating Michigan should be. When that’s done, the goal is beating Northwestern. Many other things have to happen after that, but they will.

Whole schemes and packages need to be re-evaluated. Having linebackers stay home would help. I don’t expect a miracle, just an improvement.

State the most important aspect of this game, and it probably comes down to the OSU defensive coaches putting their players in positions to succeed. And keep in mind, there are people here familiar with the way Michigan’s OL is going to play. Ya know…with that whole “our old coach is their coach now” thing.

Of course, the overall game plan won’t be Ed Warinner’s, but he will be playing an important role. Just like he knows the OSU defense and will be contributing that info to Michigan’s defense

Michigan is playing the best football they’ve played heading into The Game since, really, before Jim Tressel took over. And they’re pissed and looking for revenge.

We’re coming into this game not just chasing our CFP goals, but as an underdog. Ohio State can not only win The Game, win the division, and play for a B1G crown, but they can do something even more special than that — ruin yet another Michigan season.

From someone who grew up during the Cooper years but got to enjoy the Tressel and Meyer years, there’s nothing I enjoy more than ruining Michigan’s year.

Ohio State dominating The Game recently seems to have taken some luster off of the rivalry. Seeing the Wolverines and their fans feeling their oats, however, should remind everyone how necessary this win is. The underdog card will help. The disrespect will help, and ultimately I expect the Buckeyes to play their best game of the year.