ANN ARBOR, Mich. — If you don’t think today is the biggest game of the season for College football, you’d better check again. Ohio State is sitting at number one, reigning National champions, heading into hostile territory for one of the only teams to really offer a high level of competition for the Buckeyes. Michigan has even clouded the Buckeye state’s championship win with a four-year winning streak against Ohio State, marking 2191 days since Ohio State won against the Team up North. Secondly, this is the 50th time both programs are ranked, and the Bucks are going into hostile territory. This is probably the biggest game of the season; it could make or break either team.
One of college football’s fiercest rivalries returns to center stage this Saturday as the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Michigan Stadium to face the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines in a matchup loaded with implications for the Big Ten title and the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten), the defending national champions, enters the contest seeking to end a four-game losing streak to Michigan — a skid that dates back to 2019. Michigan (9-2, 7-1 Big Ten), undefeated at home this season, is chasing its fifth straight win over the Buckeyes, a feat the Wolverines haven’t achieved since the 1920s.
This year’s edition of The Game marks the 50th time both programs are ranked, the most of any matchup in AP Poll history.
A Clash of Strengths
The Buckeyes arrive boasting the best defense in the nation, allowing just 7.6 points per game, the second-lowest average by an FBS team in the last 30 years. On offense, Ohio State is powered by Heisman contenders Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. Sayin, who is on pace to break the FBS single-season completion percentage record, leads a unit capable of explosive downfield plays.
Ohio State’s receiving corps may also be back at full strength. Jeremiah Smith (902 yards) and Carnell Tate (711 yards) were sidelined last week against Rutgers, but both are expected to suit up Saturday despite being labeled “day to day” by head coach Ryan Day.
Michigan, meanwhile, continues to find ways to produce offensively despite injuries. The Wolverines are without star running back Justice Haynes, and backup Jordan Marshall was unavailable last week. Still, Michigan racked up 45 points and 445 yards in a road win over Maryland behind freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who has thrown for over 200 yards in two straight games.
The key battle will be in the trenches: Michigan’s offensive line must create running lanes and protect Underwood against one of the nation’s stingiest defensive fronts.
Pressure Cooker for Both Teams
Michigan’s pass rush, led by standout edge rusher Derrick More (9.5 sacks, 28 QB pressures), must find a way to disrupt Julian Sayin. If the Buckeyes’ passing attack gets into rhythm, big plays could define the afternoon.
Meanwhile, questions linger for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who is 52-1 in the Big Ten against teams other than Michigan — but just 1-4 against the Wolverines.
Playoff Stakes
For Michigan, the stakes could not be higher. The Wolverines enter the week ranked 15th in the College Football Playoff standings. A victory over the unbeaten Buckeyes would give their postseason résumé a major boost.
Ohio State, on the other hand, seeks not only bragging rights but also a guaranteed spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and a continuation of its run toward another College Football Playoff appearance.
How to Watch
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 29
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- TV: FOX
- Live Stream: Fubo
With championship hopes, playoff dreams, and over a century of rivalry history on the line, Saturday’s showdown promises to be one of the most intense chapters yet in The Game.
