Ann Arbor will be filled again with tension as it hosts one of the most historic rivalries in American sports.
Michigan Wolverines host their border rivals Ohio State Buckeyes for a chance to dance at College Football Playoffs.
A lot of storylines to look at, too.
Whoever comes out on top will receive a spot in the Big Ten Championship as the East division winner.
They have figured in more than 100 games already since their rivalry started in 1897, but this Saturday afternoon game is one of those that has extra weight. Both will come into the match undefeated, the second straight season it happened.
They say it is a coin toss whenever two bitter rivals meet on the field. The intensity, the crowd's support, the past - everything becomes a great motivator.
For this 2023 edition of the rivalry, though, there are many reasons why the Wolverines will devour the Buckeyes.
There is a good reason why they are -3.5 favorites against the Buckeyes.
Here are some reasons why Michigan will come out on top in "The Game."
1. Too poised to crumble.
Coach Jim Harbaugh will not be with the team, stemming from a sign-stealing scandal involving his coaching staff.
Still, the players showed throughout the season that they can implement what Harbaugh left for them.
They won two games without the embattled college coach, including a 24-15 victory against hosts Penn State.
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2. Big Ten is the Wolverines' stage.
The Wolverines have owned the Big Ten arena. They have won 23 straight against Big Ten opponents, the second-longest in the conference's history.
This streak is attributed to their experience.
They lead all college football teams in total defense (234.8 total yards allowed per game) and points allowed per game (9.0).
3. Home-field advantage.
Michigan will host the game, and Ann Arbor is a hostile environment for visiting players. It is an even more hostile environment if the opponents are the Buckeyes.
The Michigan Stadiums turned into a torture chamber for road teams this season. East Carolina Pirates, UNLV Rebels, Bowling Green Falcons, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, and Indiana Hoosiers only managed to score an average of 6 points in their trip to Ann Arbor.
4. JJ McCarthy will outplay Kyle McCord
Yes, both teams are undefeated coming into the game, but in terms of who is the better overall architect on offense, McCarthy has McCord beat.
McCarthy boasts a 23-1 record as the Wolverines' QB1. He has thrown 5,054 yards so far, some of it translated into 40 touchdowns against nine interceptions.
Ironically, McCarthy grew up wanting to be a Buckeye. Now, he has the chance to beat his childhood team for a second straight time.
"I grew up first being an Ohio State fan, I won't lie," he said.
"God had different plans for me and showed me the way, and I'm very blessed and appreciative to be here, that's for damn sure."
The game will kick off at 11 A.M. Eastern Time. Who do you think will win?
Related article: Ohio State vs. Michigan: Rivalry History, All-Time Series Record, and More
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