Michigan v. OSU: Round 105 Preview

The Game Round 105 starts in a few days. Records aside the Rivalry is still the rivalry. Both sides fans lust for blood and victory and I'm sure only one side with be satiated. As such here's your preview

Key Figures


1) Turnovers Like a small child versus Mickey Mouse both of these offenses have been easily overpowered and reduced to tears. Michigan brings in the worst offense in the Big 10 while OSU brings in the 2nd worse. What that means is that turnovers will play a huge role in this game. I'm not sure either of these teams can come back from large deficits. In particular Michigan needs to avoid turnovers on their end of the field as for all of OSU's offensive problems they are among the most efficient in the Red Zone.

2) Beanie Wells rush numbers - While OSU has wunderkid, Terrel Pryor as their QB its Wells is what makes the offense run. He single handedly won last year's GAME and there's no reason to think he can't this year in his finale at the Horseshoe. Strong rush numbers from Beanie puts pressure on Death err Sheridan to make passes, allows OSU to avoid having to throw, creates manageable 3rd downs, and thereby reduces turnovers. Basically if one team can win both of these two key figures then the game is theirs.

Beware of the Stiff Arm of Justice

Key Matchups

OSU O-Line v. Michigan D-Line
If Michigan is to have a Quantum of Solace, its that they have one of the better D-Lines in the Big 10 and OSU has one of the worst o-lines in college football. Now behind Michigan's front 4 are a bunch of tackling dummies and post-modernist interpretations of football players but the front 4 are solid. OSU's o-line this year has collectively auditioned for various matador positions. Related to the above figure, OSU's line needs to overcome its suckiness as previous quality d-lines (USC, PSU) have shut down the running game.

Michigan WRs v. OSU CBs - Bubble Screen
Michigan's bread and butter offensive play is the bubble screen. The quick outlet and then usage of speed to bust it open for a big play is how Michigan can score with young and erratic Sheridan. What that means is OSU CBs need to make tackles. Broken/missed tackles and well you have long plays and touchdowns. Solid tackling and its 2 yard gains.

Hayden says "Solid Fundamentals" and "Don't Punch Whales in the Head"

Key Facts

• Wind is occasionally a good thing
  
• Since 1980 the team with the better record is 13-12
• Since 1980 when one team is ranked and the other unranked, the ranked team is 3-5.
• Overall Michigan leads the series in Columbus 27-22-2
• Over the last 50 years OSU leads the series 25-23-2
  

Final Prediction
Pryor and Wells will be too much as the season closes on Michigan 34-20