Passing Games May Struggle in Clash Between Ohio State, Michigan Thanks to Talented Cornerback Play

The total could be even lower when the two teams meet Saturday.

Wait, lower than 145? Really?

OK, that’s probably not likely. But when you consider the talent that both the Buckeyes and Wolverines have at cornerback, it’s not all that far-fetched. Throwing the ball in Saturday’s contest between the No. 2 and 3 ranked teams in the country will be about as difficult as it gets.

These are the two best sets of corners in the Big Ten and, perhaps, all of college football.

Gareon Conley, Marshon Lattimore and Denzel Ward make up Ohio State’s three-headed monster. Conley and Lattimore are the starters — and the future early-round draft picks — but Ward sees plenty of playing time, too. All three are on the field when the Buckeyes go to their nickel package.

Michigan State QBs refused to throw at OSU CBs Gareon Conley & Marshon Lattimore. 0 targets combined. Denzel Ward targeted 7 times.

— CFB Film Room (@CFBFilmRoom) November 21, 2016

The Wolverines counter with Jourdan Lewis and Channing Stribling, a pair of shutdown corners in their own right. Lewis was named a finalist for the Thorpe Award on Monday — given to the nation’s top defensive back — while Stribling has had a breakout season of his own.

“There’s no question the corner talent in this game is well above average,” CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler told Eleven Warriors. “When evaluating the position, the required traits are play speed, awareness and competitive toughness and Conley, Lattimore, Lewis and Stribling grade well in those areas. They each have different strengths that set them apart, but there is no doubt the wide receivers and overall passing games will have a tough time due to the talent in the secondary.”

“Scouts have been locked in on these two teams all season for the secondary play.”

“Scouts have been locked in on these two teams all season for the secondary play.”– CBS Draft Analyst Dane Brugler

For an Ohio State team that struggled to throw the ball in last weekend’s 17-16 win over Michigan State, this week’s matchup against the Wolverines is an entirely different challenge. And it’s probably the Buckeyes’ toughest one to date.

Actually, there is no probably about it. Michigan’s corners will be the most difficult task of the season for Ohio State’s young group of wide receivers.

“It’s going to be man coverage; there’s no secret,” Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer said. “It’s what they play and they’re very good players.”

Added Terry McLaurin, one of those young Ohio State wideouts: “We have a respect for them. Just watching a couple of clips within the last couple of days, the press man, they’re going to load a lot of the box and as a group, we have to beat man coverage.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Saturday’s game between Ohio State and Michigan will feature the top four cornerbacks in the country when it comes to opposer passer rating.

Conley ranks No. 1, as opposing quarterbacks have a rating of just 11.8 when targeting the Buckeyes’ redshirt junior. Per PFF, Conley has been targeted 33 times this season and given up just nine receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown. Lattimore ranks No. 4 in the country, according to PFF.

For Michigan, Lewis and Stribling rank No. 2 and 3 in the country in opposing passer rating. Lewis leads the way as he has allowed just eight receptions on 31 targets this season for 78 yards and no touchdowns. That’s good for a passer rating of just 12.7.

“The NFL wants good-sized athletes who can press and that is why Conley and Lattimore are so intriguing," Brugler said. "Similar to Eli Apple last year, both are at least 6-foot with the speed to stay in phase with receivers downfield."

"Lewis will be an interesting test case because he suffocates the catch point with his aggressive ball skills and coverage instincts. He is quick-footed with smooth hips and transition technique to blanket wideouts, but his lack of size — hair under 5-10 with short arms — could keep him out of the first round," Brugler continued. "Stribling is an NFL guy also. He has come a long way from where he was a few years ago and another player who is no doubt benefitting from the Harbaugh effect."

“That’s why you come to Ohio State. That’s why they recruit you, to come beat man coverage.”– Ohio State WR Terry McLaurin

When meeting with reporters yesterday, Lewis hinted at the possibility he could line up in the slot against Ohio State's dynamic weapon Curtis Samuel. We already know Conley will be in the slot on third downs for the Buckeyes. The chess match will be fascinating to watch.

But with this kind of talent on the field at corner for both teams, any yardage gained from the outside receiver spots will be a bonus. Both teams have quality wide receivers, but the talent edge goes to the defensive backs on both sides.

Ohio State's players feel like they're up for the challenge of facing the Michigan secondary, though.

“I think it’s going to be good,” Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett said. “It’s one of those things I feel like when you play man, our guys are better than your guys, so it’s one of those kind of things where we’re going to go do our best and prepare and make sure we come out and win those battles.”

Added McLaurin: “That’s why you come to Ohio State. That’s why they recruit you, to come beat man coverage. What better way than the stage we have Saturday to prove that we’re one of the top wide receiver groups in the country?”

Michigan's wide receivers will likely try to do the same. And while the main focus for the Buckeyes' cornerbacks will be to stop the Wolverines' wide receivers, there could be a little bonus if they can prove to be the better set of corners. 

"We pride ourselves on our defense and our corners," Conley said. "It’s us versus them and it’s our program versus their program.”