It's time.
History will be written by the winners today. Are you ready for one of the most consequential Ohio State vs. Michigan games ever? The Best Damn Band in the Land sure seems prepared.
Only one way to end the concert tonight pic.twitter.com/qo6XSRZje0
— The Ohio State University Marching Band (@TBDBITL) November 25, 2023
Time to wake up Buckeye fans. The sun don't shine forever, but as long as we're here, might as well shine together.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 25, 2023
The build-up for The Game almost always plays out in intense fashion. However, this season's scrutiny surrounding the conduct of the Wolverines' football program in recent months has made the upcoming installment one of the most particularly tense stand-offs between the schools in recent memory.
Can the Buckeyes get the win, close out the regular season undefeated, and avenge the last two years of losses while permanently branding TTUN as cheaters? Or will Jim Harbaugh have the last laugh from his couch today?
Let's examine what the staff at Eleven Warriors believes will happen.
Andy Anders: Ohio State 24, Michigan 17. "Ohio State focuses on stopping the run and J.J. McCarthy comes up a few plays short through the air despite hitting on a pass here or there. Ryan Day and Brian Hartline get inventive to involve the Buckeyes’ weapons in unique ways to manufacture the necessary offense to win. An underrated key: No major special teams blunders for the Buckeyes."
Chase Brown: Ohio State 27, Michigan 24. "Ryan Day secures the biggest win of his head coaching career with a close victory over Michigan in Ann Arbor, with stars TreVeyon Henderson and Marvin Harrison Jr. leading the way for the Buckeyes in a hostile environment at the Big House."
George Eisner: Ohio State 28, Michigan 21. "We will receive a celebration of football today akin to 2006's masterpiece — from all phases, across both schools. In spite of what 'AmErIcA's TeAm' may have you believe, the Buckeyes have overcome much greater moments of adversity on the field this season, and that experience will deliver OSU victory down the stretch."
Jack Emerson: Ohio State 21, Michigan 17. "Defense prevails as the Buckeyes get back to taking care of business against Michigan."
Johnny Ginter: Michigan 28, Ohio State 24. "Basically I think the game hinges on whether or not Ohio State can get consistent yardage on first down, and unfortunately I'm just not particularly confident in how the offensive line stacks up against Michigan's defensive tackles."
Matt Gutridge: Ohio State 42, Michigan 17. "I think Day is going to use jet sweeps to make the run game open up for Henderson. This will also draw the eyes of Michigan's secondary into the backfield for enough time to allow Harrison and Egbuka to get a step and find space. If McCord doesn't piss down his leg, this game should get ugly."
Garrick Hodge: Ohio State 23, Michigan 20. "There may not be a game in this rivalry of this magnitude for quite some time. Ohio State’s defense will give the fans a day to remember by making enough plays on J.J. McCarthy and Marvin Harrison Jr. will deliver an unforgettable legacy game."
Dan Hope: Ohio State 24, Michigan 20. "This is the third game this season that I’ve viewed as a coin-flip for the Buckeyes, and Ohio State was able to win a one-score game in the first two (Notre Dame and Penn State). I like Ohio State’s chances if it can limit Michigan’s run game, and I expect the Buckeyes’ defense to rise to the occasion as it has all year. Scoring won’t come easily against Michigan’s top-ranked defense, but if Ohio State can hold the Wolverines to 20 points or less, I think the quartet of Marvin Harrison Jr., TreVeyon Henderson, Cade Stover and Emeka Egbuka can make enough plays to lead the Buckeyes to victory."
Kyle Jones: Ohio State 31, Michigan 21. "The Wolverines go out of their way to keep Harrison in check, allowing Egbuka to have a huge game against solo coverage for most of the day. OSU gets out to an early lead but this time, the defense holds it together and the home team can’t create enough explosive plays to mount a full comeback."
Chris Lauderback: Ohio State 23, Michigan 20. "Ohio State's defense scores once and wins the turnover battle in an "exorcise the demons" win for Ryan Day."
Ramzy Nasrallah: Ohio State 34, Michigan 13. "The Buckeyes send Cold Miss back to hell where it belongs."
Josh Poloha: Ohio State 24, Michigan 20. "Just beat Michigan, Buckeyes. Find a way to win in Ann Arbor, even if it’s ugly. Please."
Jason Priestas: Ohio State 24, Michigan 13. "Frustration and vengeance meet at Michigan Stadium as the Silver Bullets prove they’re for real while the stars on Ohio State’s offense power the way to a 24-13 road win."
Check out this week’s Eleven Warriors Roundtable for even more detailed discussion on The Game from Andy Anders, George Eisner and Johnny Ginter.
WILL OHIO STATE COVER?
The Buckeyes head to Ann Arbor as underdogs for the first time this year, and the first time in The Game since the 2018 season. The spread currently sits at -3.5 points in favor of Michigan, which means the Wolverines would need to win by more than a field goal to achieve a cover.
Johnny Ginter forecasts TTUN will do just that, ultimately taking down Ohio State by four points. All other members of the Eleven Warriors staff have OSU pulling off the upset.
Tune in to The Eleven Dubcast next Tuesday or subscribe, and George will be sure to reprimand Johnny for this egregious betrayal of trust.
WHAT ABOUT THE OVER?
The line movement on the over/under expectations for this game has played out as nothing short of comical. After opening earlier this season at 57.5 points, the Autumn of Unders across college football — but particularly throughout Ohio State's schedule — has seen the line collapse by 11 points down to a 46.5 point total.
The split in the betting market from open to close reflects the divisiveness among the Eleven Warriors staff regarding how this game's point total will unfold. Seven staff members expect the under to hit on Saturday afternoon, while six project the over will cash for a 10th straight time in this rivalry.
Matt Gutridge provided the highest point total at 59, although his original scoring prediction was somewhere in the realm of 100-0 in favor of the Buckeyes. Jason Priestas anticipates a low-scoring affair with merely 37 points between the teams.
Looking for more betting analysis regarding Saturday’s contest? Check out Easy Bucks for more detailed breakdowns of this weekend’s lines and more.
ELEVEN WARRIORS PROP BETS
Running out of ways to kill time before kickoff? Need more numbers to fawn over ahead of The Game? Check out some in-house betting lines below to get a better sense of what performances oddsmakers expect from the stars on Ohio State and Michigan.
Leave your predictions for us in the comments and compete for bragging rights!
How many passing yards will Kyle McCord throw for?
- Over 239.5 (-110)
- Under 239.5 (-110)
How many rushing yards will TreVeyon Henderson finish with?
- Over 99.5 (+100)
- Under 99.5 (-125)
How many rushing yards will J.J. McCarthy finish with?
- Over 15.5 (-130)
- Under 15.5 (+125)
Will the Ohio State Defense score a touchdown?
- Yes (+588)
- No (-590)
Happy holidays. Go Bucks.
