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Ohio State, Michigan Ready for Battle in 'The Game'

Ohio State|Ryan Day — © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1, 9-1 Big Ten Conference) will face the Michigan Wolverines (6-5, 4-4) in "The Game" on Nov. 30 at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is riding a three-game losing streak to the Wolverines, including a 30-24 loss last year to now-head coach Sherrone Moore. In Week 14, the two coaches will face off once again in college football's biggest rivalry. Day described the meetings between the two teams as "wars."

What's at Stake?

For Day, this game is everything. His track record at Ohio State has been top-notch outside this rivalry series. But in Columbus, "The Game" is everything. Day has repeatedly stressed how much this rivalry game means to him, describing the last three losses to the Wolverines as "one of the worst things to happen to me in my life." He explained that very few things have been worse for him and his family. Notwithstanding the personal effect of the outcomes of contests with Michigan, Day emphasized the need to win this game for the players, especially the seniors who returned in an attempt to get their first pair of gold pants.

On top of the pressure of the rivalry, the game presents the Buckeyes with an opportunity to earn a much-desired rematch against No. 1 Oregon (11-0, 8-0) in the B1G championship game. Moore will be looking to spoil the Buckeyes season and keep them from reaching that conference championship goal. His team is a significant underdog, but Moore knows that records and rankings do not determine outcomes in this intense rivalry series.

When asked about the feeling this week on Monday, Nov. 25, Moore said, "You can feel the energy. It's not really something you can describe. It's just different." His statement was simple, but could not have been more accurate. Players, coaches and fans alike feel a difference in the air as soon as the seven-day countdown begins each year. "The Game" means everything to both sides of the rivalry.

Key Players for Ohio State

Offense: Will Howard, Quarterback

This one is easy. To beat a rival featuring a strong defense, the QB must perform well. Howard has been absolutely tremendous this year, far exceeding the expectations of many. He leads the country in completion percentage, showing his reliability with accuracy and as a decision-maker. Moreover, his leadership and intesity have been his most crucial addition to the Buckeyes.

Howard brings a fresh feeling to the Ohio State QB spot for the rivalry. The Buckeyes have almost played too tight in recent matchups with the Wolverines. Howard maintains the opposite demeanor. He plays smart but loose. He will take chances, and won't dwell on any mistakes he does make. He expressed his awareness that this game means something extra. On Nov. 26, Howard told reporters the game "means everything." His approach and performance will be the biggest factor at play for the Buckeyes.

Defense: Sonny Styles, Linebacker

Styles has raised his level of play after moving from safety to LB this year. He will need to be sharp against the run this weekend. He also often draws the task of covering tight ends.

Styles will play a key role in Ohio State's efforts to contain Wolverines running back Kalel Mullings and tight end Colston Loveland. Michigan runs the ball often with Mullings, who is averaging 5.4 yards per carry and has 11 TDs. Loveland leads the team with 56 receptions, more than double the next-highest receiver on the team. He will be a key player the Buckeyes aim to stop.

The Buckeyes play three LBs against run-heavy teams like Michigan, and when they do so, Styles moves from the weak to the strong side. That means he will typically be set to the side of the opposing tight end. Hence, he will often be responsible for covering Loveland.

Key Players for Michigan

Offense: Davis Warren, Quarterback

Michigan's passing offense has been one of the worst in the NCAA, currently standing 127th out of 134 teams. Warren started the year before being temporarily benched after throwing 6 interceptions in his first three starts. The quarterback carousel then came back around and Warren showed slight improvement. He has minimized the turnovers and has shown rare but impressive flashes of arm talent. To beat the Buckeyes, or even stay in the game, he needs to play clean and efficiently.

Defense: Josaiah Stewart, Defensive End

The 6-foot-1, 245-pound edge rusher has been one of the nation's best pass rushers this season. He has 8.5 sacks to go along 2 forced fumbles. The strength of the Wolverines' defense is their defensive line, where Stewart has help on the interior from defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. The presence of those two on the inside allows Stewart to work outside with fewer double teams as he tries to get to opposing QBs. Pressure on Howard from Stewart may be the only way for Michigan to slow down the Ohio State offense.

Trends to Watch

The first thing to watch for will be the availability of two Michigan players. Loveland left the Northwestern game last week with a shoulder injury he sustained on a TD catch. Coach Moore said that "he's trending in a good direction to be available." It's difficult to imagine that he would miss this game, but his availability and health are critical.

Superstar cornerback Will Johnson is questionable for the game. The elite defender has missed the last four games with a toe injury. His status seems to be much more up in the air. He has been stellar when on the field, scoring two TDs on interception returns earlier this season. The Wolverines would benefit greatly from his presence on the field as they face a highly skilled wide receiver group from Ohio State.

The biggest matchup of the game will be in the trenches. The Buckeyes have now reshuffled their offensive line in major ways multiple times this year. They have lost two starters to season-ending injuries–offensive tackle Josh Simmons and center Seth McLaughlin. Those losses are weighty in this matchup, with the stout Michigan defensive line, the team's top position group. The battle at the line of scrimmage will be one of the most intriguing clashes in the game.

Much is at stake for the two head coaches. Moore will look to prove himself in his first full official season at the helm of the Wolverines, while Day will attempt to silence the doubters and move the Buckeyes toward their remaining goals. Both sides are ready for war.