11W Mailbag: On Michigan's Ability to Block Kicks, the Jabrill Peppers Impact and Ohio State's Passing Game

Any ideas on trick plays we could see from Jim Harbaugh? —  Elk's Comb Over

I fully expect Michigan to come out in its train formation near the goal line at least once during the game. Something odd could come off of that but I think there is a better chance of seeing something out of the ordinary with Jabrill Peppers either in the Wildcat or just in the backfield.

Harbaugh called for Peppers to throw the ball at least once last season against Ohio State but he didn't because he did not see a receiver open. With Wilton Speight not at 100 percent, I think Peppers will play more snaps than normal on offense. Maybe a throwback pass? Double reverse after an end around? Who knows. But Peppers will be involved.

He is by far Michigan's best athlete and biggest weapon. To quote Dan Fouts in The Waterboy, "Last game of the year, Brent. Can't hold anything back now."

What happened to Robert Landers' foot, and is really going to be ready for Saturday? Also, how about Dontre Wilson? Is he ready to go? I think we will really need him as TTUN will be trying to take Curtis Samuel away. — NHBuckeye

I'm not sure what happened to Landers' foot, as Ohio State was naturally coy about it on Monday when we asked about it. Maybe he just sprained it during the Michigan State game or something. I didn't see him walking with a limp, so my guess is the boot was just a precaution.

Urban Meyer said Wilson is cleared medically to play against Michigan. With it being his final game in Ohio Stadium, I'm sure Wilson will want to make an impact. Especially because, like you said, the Wolverines are going to know where Samuel is all afternoon. That attention should leave other avenues open for guys like Wilson, K.J. Hill, Mike Weber, etc.

Ejections. Do you think Urban addresses previous incidents and discusses how not to be baited by an older team they're going up against? A la 2013. — BuckeyeEddie27

I'm sure Meyer brought it up during practice this week if only to remind his guys (most of whom have never played against Michigan) how a tiny breach of stupidity could cost them an opportunity to take place in the rivalry contest. Some pregame shoving and an exchange of words are bound to happen—it does every year. But what happened in 2013 was Wilson getting a little worked up and his teammates coming to his aide since he weighed 175 pounds.

Coaches want their guys cued up and ready to go in order to play at a high level. But the stakes are too high for anything beyond that to cost your team the game. Plus, an ejection could carry over to the next game—which could be for the Big Ten Championship or in the College Football Playoff.

How well do you think the Ohio State O-line can hold up against this defensive line they're going to face? — Barfolomew

This is going to decide the game, in my opinion. Billy Price and Pat Elflein are going to bring their A games, having played against Michigan and understanding the gravity of the game. Jamarco Jones, Isaiah Prince and Michael Jordan are all good players and doing better than in the first few months of the season but Michigan's defensive line is one of the best in the country for a reason.

Taco Charlton, Chase Winovich and Chris Wormley all have at least 4.5 sacks on the season the starting defensive line is great at shooting the gaps and tackling ballcarriers in the backfield. Ohio State has to be able to run the ball to win. I think the game is going to be really low-scoring and if the Buckeyes have a late lead that they are trying to preserve if those guys up front can't create a push they won't be able to do it.

Of course, now that I say that both teams will probably score more than 40 points. Regardless, Michigan's defensive line is excellent. It is going to be a very tough task for Ohio State's offensive line. I give the advantage to the Wolverines because of experience.

Is this the most important game to date in the Urban Meyer era? — SFlaBuckeye13

I'm going to lean toward the Sugar Bowl against Alabama as the most important game since Meyer arrived in Columbus. But yes, Saturday is easily the most important Michigan game in his five seasons.

Last week TTUN blocked a couple punts vs Indiana. We also all know about how some special teams gaffes were key in OSU's loss to PSU. Do you see special teams as an area of concern this week or at least as an area that could be an "X-factor" in the game? How do you think the matchup for this position group will play out? — BuckeyeCWRU

I don't think Ohio State's special teams should ever be considered an area of concern as long as Cameron Johnston is the punter. Tyler Durbin has also been a very pleasant surprise at placekicker.

But an X-factor against Michigan? Absolutely. The Wolverines blocked six kicks/punts in their first 11 games, which is tied for second-most in the country. Peppers also returned a punt for a touchdown against Colorado, so it clear they have the pieces in the right places to make a difference on special teams.

Ohio State keeps it simple on special teams for the most part and Johnston is one of the best in the country at flipping the field. But ever since the Penn State game it is clear the Buckeyes have been on point with their punt and field goal teams.

I do have a feeling Michigan is going to do gain momentum somehow on special teams, though. Whether it be blocking a punt that gives its offense a short field to score a touchdown or Peppers taking one to the end zone, don't be surprised if the Wolverines make a huge play in that area of the game.

We've all heard how good Michigan's defense has been, but they have struggled mightily on offense in back to back weeks. Besides the obvious zero, what are the max points Ohio State can allow Michigan to score and still win the game? —  BuckeyeIn NY

I think somewhere between 14 and 20. Michigan's defense is excellent but hasn't faced an offense with the kind of talent like Ohio State yet this season. I think the Buckeyes will be able to move the ball a bit and score a few times. But it just doesn't appear too many possessions will end in points.

TSUN admitted to practicing all season and using their bye week for OSU, any such extra work done and admitted to on our side? — BayCountyBuck

Some players and Meyer said they do something extra throughout the season with an eye on Michigan but not too much. I don't think the Buckeyes would have watched Michigan tape during their off week, though, because it was so early in the season and the Wolverines hadn't really played anybody to that point in the season.

Michigan's special teams has performed well this season. Expecting any changes to the punt formation to  prevent blocks or kicking strategy changes in general? — WeakSideLB

Nah, probably not. Maybe keeping a gunner in the backfield to combat an extra man on the punt block but Meyer is going to trust his guys to get the job done. As I mentioned before, the special teams have been better since the two debacles at Penn State.

The TE and slot receiver positions have had decent success against our defense this year. I feel like this is TTUN biggest area to exploit. Bottom line can we minimize their production on the field Saturday? — SoulPatrol32

It is going to be tough because Jake Butt is one of the best tight ends in the country. He is also a Columbus kid and will be playing in his final Ohio State-Michigan game, so I wouldn't be surprised if he made a big play or two.

Ohio State countered its issues with guarding the slot receiver by shifting Gareon Conley to nickel corner on third downs against Nebraska. That should continue, which will help matters immensely because Denzel Ward and Marshon Lattimore are both really good players.

The fate of Michigan's passing game rests on the collarbone of Wilton Speight. If he plays, he will not be at 100 percent. If he doesn't play, John O'Korn hardly gave me any reason to fear if I am Ohio State with what he did last week against Indiana. Either way, how Ohio State performs in one-on-one situations with Butt, Peppers, Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson will determine if Michigan can score on Saturday. Advantage Buckeyes if Speight does not go. If he does, still advantage Buckeyes but not as much.

Does Noah Brown get any chances? I think he can be the difference maker with his height (their backs tend to be smaller) and ball skills. How often are we going to go to our TE? Finally, do you see our O throwing in some new looks to confuse TTUN?  — OSUSam77

Brown better get some chances if Ohio State wants to win. He was a ghost in East Lansing. I know the windy conditions made it difficult but he only had one target that I can remember. That isn't going to cut it.

He can be a difference maker because of his size. Jourdan Lewis is 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds while Channing Stribling is 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds. Both of those guys will play in the NFL someday but Brown is 6-foot-2 and 218 pounds. He knows how to use his body so the Buckeyes should look to take advantage of that near the end zone against Michigan's man coverage.

I think Marcus Baugh could be in for a huge day. Michigan's linebackers are fine players—Peppers among them—but he is the only one that has the speed and lateral quickness to cover guys over the middle and out of the backfield consistently. J.T. Barrett needs to look to Baugh and Curtis Samuel to exploit those matchups should they arise.

And no, I don't think Ohio State's offense will deviate from the norm too much.

Will the stadium finally live up to its noise potential? — Jumar

We will see but it is probably going to be difficult. The fact it is The Game should help bring the noise from the fanbase but a noon kickoff is a noon kickoff. Ohio Stadium was the loudest I have heard it in a long time for the Nebraska game, which as you know kicked off at 8 p.m.

It should be a packed house on Saturday since so much is at stake. I am as anxious as you are to see how loud it gets.

In all seriousness, what is the staff's take on Jabrill Peppers? What are his biggest strengths and weaknesses - in what ways does he most significantly impact games, especially on defense? Where should we expect him to line up on Saturday and does he pose any glaring matchup problems for Ohio State's offense? — Maestro16

Meyer called Peppers "a great player" on Monday. I am confident in saying Ohio State's entire coaching staff believes he is a fine player because, well, he is a fine player.

Peppers' biggest strength is his shiftiness in the open field. He is a little like Curtis Samuel in that he makes one quick cut and accelerates quickly. His hands are also very good and Peppers is athletic enough to make plays others cannot.

Expect him to line up at outside linebacker, nickel corner and roam around the secondary all afternoon. If I am Ohio State, however, I run right at him if he stands in the box before the snap. He is only 205 pounds, so make him prove he can fight off blocks and tackle at outside linebacker.

Peppers is Michigan's best player for a reason. He is a matchup nightmare for any team. I'm sure Harbaugh will have something cooked up for him that we haven't seen yet this season.

Better gamesmanship: Cheekiness on starting QB or smashing a buckeye with a hammer? — GOOMBAY

The former. I've had the pleasure (?) of watching the Michigan media try to get answers from Harbaugh about his team at Big Ten Media Days for two summers now. He simply won't do it because he doesn't want any information out that an opponent could use against him. Like Urban Meyer, he is an ultimate competitor.

So it is no surprise he won't reveal who will start at quarterback on Saturday. That bit of gamesmanship is just how the man is wired.

Who punches in first? — OSU992

I think Michigan will score the first touchdown of the game. Don't ask me how or why.

Over-under nine offensive touches for Peppers. — Buckguyfan1

Under. But just barely. I think he will have eight offensive touches. Four catches and four rushes.

After we win Saturday, does Urban lobby for CFP inclusion or save that for a phone interview during the B1G title game, assuming OSU isn't in it? — HeTuck

If Ohio State beats Michigan on Saturday, Meyer won't give the media much after the game about the College Football Playoff. He will wait until he sees the result of the Penn State-Michigan State game.

It all depends on the outcome of The Game, though. If Ohio State dominates and wins convincingly, he might not need to lobby. If the Buckeyes win period, he might not need to lobby. We will see.

What trick play would you like to see us run? Final contest, we have to have a few wrinkles, right? — UniotoTank55

Yeah but this isn't the final game of the season for either team. It is the biggest one to date, definitely, but I don't see Meyer going too deep into his bag of tricks. I enjoyed the WR pass in the Sugar Bowl by Evan Spencer. That was a sweet play, no matter your college football allegiance.

I'm thinking our defensive line should be able to make O'Korn's life miserable on passing downs this Saturday. Do you think UM's offensive line is athletic enough to keep them at bay? — Buckeye Phi

Sure don't. It is basically the same group that couldn't block Joey Bosa, Adolphus Washington and Co. last season. Ohio State's defensive line is much deeper this season than in that game too so I see it being difficult for the likes of Kyle Kalis and his buddies to stay in front of them all afternoon.

The group is playing better than last season but I will take Ohio State's defensive line over anybody in the country, except Alabama.

Any "Golden Nuggets" about this game that you are at liberty to share with the community Who punts more and as always - what's your score prediction? — Seattle Linga

I wish I had Golden Nuggets but I don't. I apologize for letting you down. I think Michigan will punt more but both teams will use their punters quite a bit.

I went back and forth on my score prediction all week. Ohio State's talent is at a higher level than Michigan's but there are some grown men that will suit up on Harbaugh's squad this Saturday. Plus, they have the added incentive of what happened last season on their home turf.

In the end, however, I picked Ohio State to win 28-24 on a late touchdown. Until Harbaugh beats Meyer, I like the latter in these matchups. Playing in Columbus will help the Buckeyes too.

How much do you hate them? Also, Cam Akers, is he or is he not visiting? What's in the best burrito at Chipotle? — Smartone29

Don't hate too many people and am not paid to hate opposing teams. Lame, I know.

Andrew told me Akers is reportedly going to visit Ole Miss this weekend instead of Ohio State, though nothing is confirmed yet. I don't see him being in Columbus but remember I know nothing.

My favorite burrito is steak, white rice, a touch of black beans, mild and corn salsa, sour cream, cheese, lettuce and guacamole. By the way, thanks for making me hungry even though as I write this I am stuffed from my Thanksgiving feast.

Why are we fielding punts inside the 10-yard line? This is a basic rule that is taught in high school. Is it a coaching mistake or player mistake? —  KBonay

Been wondering this myself but I think it is a player mistake. Kerry Coombs and Meyer could ask those guys to catch any and everything that isn't definitely going to go in the end zone, though, so I'm not sure. It is better to catch the ball at the 9-yard line then let it roll to the 1, though.

How would your "advantage" breakdown look based on the below? — D1145Fresh

POSITION	OHIO STATE	MICHIGAN
QB	EDGE
RB	EDGE
WR		EDGE
OL	EDGE
DL	PUSH	PUSH
LB	EDGE
CB	PUSH	PUSH
ST		EDGE

This week Alabama plays Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Each other's biggest rivals. From what everyone is saying the game really means nothing. If Bama loses they still get in the playoffs and for that matter probably stay No. 1.

My question is can you ever see a time when scUM is not the most important game of the year? If say Ohio State ever got in a position similar to Bama's where they are in no matter the outcome...could you see them resting their players like the NFL does? I hope this never happens but it is something I thought about when they first started talking about playoffs. Could you ever see the Bucks not playing their starting QB and RB to not take a chance on getting hurt? To save them for "more important games." Could there ever be a more important game than scUM?

As long as Jim Harbaugh is at Michigan and Urban Meyer is at Ohio State (and probably even after the fact) The Game will always be the most important game on the schedule. It is always important because of the rivalry's sake but those two coaches should have the programs at or near the top of the rankings every year.

I don't see there ever being a situation like what Alabama faces with Auburn this weekend in the Iron Bowl. Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide are the class of the SEC and college football and the rest of the conference is frankly butt.

Ohio State and Michigan should me as top 10 and maybe even top 5 opponents annually for the immediate future. It is something we don't deserve, really.

Thanks as always for all of your inquiries. I hope you all had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. Enjoy The Game on Saturday.