Ahead of the highly anticipated Big Ten showdown between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 18 Michigan on Saturday, Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore spoke candidly about what he expects from the top-ranked Buckeyes.
“It’s potent,” Moore said about OSU’s offense. “It’s one of the best in the country. [Ohio State is] clearly the perfect crew within the nation. The receivers are elite. Jeremiah [Smith] is elite. Carnell Tate is elite. They received Brandon Innis, he is elite. Tight finish Max Klare is a extremely good participant as properly. … They have elite gamers in every single place on the sphere. … It is a problem I do know our protection is able to go tackle.”
Saturday’s rivalry matchup, affectionately referred to as “The Recreation,” will assist paint a greater image of the Faculty Soccer Playoff. The Buckeyes have been atop the AP High 25 ballot for 13 consecutive weeks, and the defending nationwide champions are in line to seem within the Massive Ten Championship recreation in Indianapolis towards No. 2 Indiana.
There’s nonetheless a path for Michigan (8-2) to get to the CFP, too. A win towards Ohio State would make each groups 8-1 in Massive Ten video games, and Michigan, because the head-to-head victor, would maintain the tiebreaker between the 2.
Ohio State (11-0) is averaging 440.3 yards per recreation, with averages of 270.1 passing yards and 170.2 dashing yards. What’s extra, the Buckeyes have amassed 4,843 whole yards, and are scoring 37.9 factors per recreation, the 11-best mark within the nation heading into Week 14.
Quarterback Julian Sayin is on the quick listing of gamers competing for the Heisman Trophy. He has thrown for two,832 yards, 27 touchdowns and simply 4 interceptions this season for a QB ranking of 90.3, which ranks solely behind USC’s Jayden Maiava.
It stays to be seen if Smith and Tate shall be energetic Saturday after neither performed final weekend towards Rutgers. Smith is without doubt one of the NCAA’s prime receivers, with 69 receptions for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season. Tate has 39 catches for 711 yards and 7 touchdowns regardless of lacking three video games.
Michigan, then again, is averaging 420.4 yards per recreation. The Wolverines’ standout freshman signal-caller Bryce Underwood has led the cost, throwing for two,166 yards, 9 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
Michigan holds a 62-52-6 benefit within the all-time collection, however OSU boasts a 6-4 edge up to now 10 conferences. Nonetheless, the Wolverines have gained the previous 4 matchups, defeating the Buckeyes at house in 2021 and 2023 and on the street in 2022 and 2024.
No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 18 Michigan early strains, predictions, & extra 💸
Need nice tales delivered proper to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports activities account, observe leagues, groups and gamers to obtain a customized e-newsletter each day!
