The Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes will put their 10-1 records on the line when they square off in a mouth-watering Big Ten showdown at the Michigan Stadium this coming Saturday. A spot in the College Football Playoff is at stake in this clash, with both teams currently ranked in the top 5. Which team will emerge with the all-important bragging rights in this Ohio State vs Michigan clash?
Ohio State Buckeyes enter Week 13 as -7.5 favorites
Momentum is with Ohio State heading into Saturday's matchup against Michigan after the Buckeyes crushed the Michigan State Spartans, 56-7, in Week 12. It was a massive victory for the Buckeyes, who improved their season record to 10-1 and a perfect 8-0 in conference play.
Voters were also impressed with Ohio State's rout as the Buckeyes jumped past Alabama and Cincinnati in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. Ohio State now owns the No. 2 position in both the AP Poll and the College Football Playoff rankings.
Providing the impetus for Ohio State's scorching start is its outstanding offense. The Buckeyes lead the nation in scoring, averaging 47.2 points per game this season. Ohio State is also ranked first in total offense, averaging 559.9 yards per game.
The Buckeyes showed their class on the offensive end in the first half of their game against the Spartans, scoring 49 points in the first and second quarters. The Buckeyes finished the game with 56 points and 655 yards of total offense.
C.J. Stroud put on quite a show for Ohio State, completing 32 of 35 passes for 432 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions against Michigan State, registering those numbers in the first half alone. Stroud made history with that performance, tying a school record with his six-touchdown game.
Related Article: AP Top 25 Poll Week 13: Ohio State Jumps Past Alabama and Cincinnati; Climbs 3 Spots to No. 2
Michigan Wolverines installed as +7.5 underdogs
Michigan kept its College Football Playoff hopes alive with an emphatic 59-18 win over Maryland in Week 12. It was a significant victory for the Wolverines, who have now won three games in a row following their shocking loss to the Michigan State Spartans. Michigan now enters Week 13 ranked No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings.
Cade McNamara starred for the Wolverines in the Week 12 win, completing 21 of 28 passes for 259 yards with a couple of touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Donovan Edwards showed he can do damage on the receiving end, catching 10 passes for 170 yards and a score.
Hassan Haskins contributed on the ground, running for 78 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Michigan relied on Edwards and Haskins to move the chains against Maryland, with Blake Corum still sidelined with a foot/ankle injury. Corum was available to play in that game but did not see action.
The Wolverines will need all the help they can get against Ohio State as they have struggled mightily against the Buckeyes of late. Michigan has lost its last eight games against Ohio State, dating back to 2012.
Writer's Prediction
Michigan stuns Ohio State in this top-5 matchup.
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