This is the big one. Well, okay, one of the big ones this weekend, anyway.
How to watch Ohio State vs. Michigan 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Another year, another OSU - Michigan meeting.
Trevor Ruszkowksi-USA TODAY Spor
Michigan has been largely awful on offense this year, operating without much of a run or passing game to speak of. Some of that falls on quarterback Devin Gardner, who is without an interception in his last three games, but hasn't done much in the way of actually moving the ball. That simply won't do against Ohio State.
For the Buckeyes, there isn't much of a reason to be afraid Gardner will beat them deep. Running back Fitzgerald Toussaint, for example, has 20 yards or less in his last three starts, making it even easier for them to tee off on Devin Gardner. It could be a long day if Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges isn't ready to make adjustments.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Ohio State ranks third in the BCS rankings and has locked up the Leaders division. Michigan still leads 58-44-6 all-time, although that is closing in recent years.
Weather: Cloudy, cold, but otherwise clear.
Rivalry Saturday
The Big Game, noon ET, ABC Florida State at Florida, noon ET, ABC The Iron Bowl, 3:30 ET, CBS Clemson at South Carolina, 7 ET, ESPN2 Notre Dame at Stanford, 7 ET, Fox Texas A&M at Missouri, 7:45 ET, ESPN UCLA at USC, 8 ET, ABC The Territorial Cup, 9:30 ET, Pac-12 Network Three names to know
Frank Clark (Michigan defensive end) - Clark leads the Wolverines with 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Against an Ohio State attack that demands precision up front, he could greatly help UM's chances of victory with another couple in each category, which would also limit Braxton Miller a bit.
Carlos Hyde (Ohio State running back) - Suspended for three games earlier this year, Hyde has somehow rallied back with force, having rushed for over a hundred yards in six straight games now. That includes a clutch three-touchdown, 168-yard effort against Northwestern, and a four-touchdown, 246-yard day against Illinois.
Ryan Shazier (Ohio State linebacker) - The team leader in tackles by a wide margin, Shazier is also a force in the pass rush, as well, recording five quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks on the year.
Two things at stake
A loss here will cripple any chance Ohio State has of making a BCS Championship Game, although that is already admittedly somewhat slim. They are set to face off against Michigan State in the Big 10 Championship Game though, and that is their incentive to keep winning. Plus, it’s Michigan, as well as that whole Urban Meyer has never lost a game thing. What other reasons do they need?
Likewise, Michigan can somewhat redeem a crushingly disappointing season with a win against Ohio State, even if they are already non-factors in the conference.
How to witness
TV: 12:00 p.m. ET, ABC
Further reading
Land Grant Holy Land has more on Ohio State, including their uniforms for this game, and a GIF recap of the win over Indiana. They also take a look at Michigan lineman Taylor Lewan.
Maize N Brew is covering Michigan, and they’re looking at the loss against Iowa. You can find all their coverage of this game here.
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