It is almost that time of year. The chill is in the air and the table is set for the 114th edition of The Game.
While this game doesn't carry the implications that the 2016 game did, there are still plenty of things hanging in the balance.
For Ohio State, an outside chance at the College Football Playoff still lingers in the balance, while Michigan's seniors are still looking for their first win in the rivalry.
With The Game less than 24 hours away, the quarterback position for the Wolverines and Ohio State's linebacker rotation are among what remain in question.
Any insight into new wrinkles they'll be introducing to confuse our defense? Seems they have been using a lot of motion to confuse lately. - Toad1204
We will get into this more as more questions get asked, but I expect Michigan's offensive game plan to look a lot like Iowa's did on Nov. 4. The Wolverines run a very similar offense and throw to their tight ends more than their receivers at this point. I would expect Michigan to try and get their tight ends in one-on-one situations with Ohio State's linebackers and safeties and let them make plays for their quarterback, whoever that may be.
Will OSU's linebackers be ready for odd formations and motions and misdirection? Everyone knows it's coming. - BuckeyeCrusdader
Greg Schiano has been out-coached twice this season and both times it has resulted in a loss. I don't think that happens against Michigan.
If you will remember back to last year, Ohio State went with four linebackers against Michigan, and I wouldn't be shocked to see the Buckeyes do the same this year. The Wolverines are going to need to run the ball effectively to win, so if Ohio State can slow down their running game with an extra man in the box, Michigan will struggle to move the ball.
If that is the strategy, I would imagine Dante Booker would move inside along with Tuf Borland with Chris Worley and Jerome Baker manning the outside spots. Malik Harrison could also be a candidate if Booker isn't back to 100 percent health.
Does our offense get creative and mix it up and become predictable OR do we go in and just attempt to pound them away for four quarters. What do you think realistically happens? - Kiddbuckeye
If it's not broke, don't fix it. If you're Ohio State, you run the ball.
The only time you should get gimmicky or "mix it up," as you put it, is if you are the lesser talented team. You will remember the 2013 edition of The Game, Michigan pulled every trick out of its hat to win that game and nearly did, but still failed. Ohio State doesn't need to out-think itself in this one. Run the ball and mix in some play action in behind it.
Which QB for TTUN is the hardest for us to defend against? - SoulPatrol32
They are honestly all the same in my mind, but if I was Ohio State, I would be worried if a healthy Brandon Peters walked out with the first-team Michigan offense.
Confidence and momentum are huge in rivalry games, or any game for that matter, and I think Michigan coaches and players were gaining confidence in Peters. I don't think it is safe to say they feel the same way about John O'Korn. If it is Wilton Speight, there is a lot of unknown because he hasn't played in nearly two months. If you are Ohio State fans, you probably feel good if O'Korn plays. But if it is Peters, I think the Wolverines play with some swagger and play Ohio State tougher.
Will we see more misdirection plays this week? It seems the best way to contain their pass-rush is to make them chase us around and get worn down. - NHBuckeye
While slowing Michigan's pass rush was an issue for Ohio State last season, I don't see that as an issue in this one. I think the Buckeyes will run the ball effectively, slow the Wolverine pass-rush and eventually hit a big one down field.
That said, J.T. Barrett is one of the best in the country when it comes to pocket awareness. If Michigan does get pressure, he is more than capable of escaping it. Also, Ohio State has installed a running back draw this year that has shown great success, so if the Wolverines start to get pressure, there are ways to slow them down.
How long will the Michigan faithful put up with Harbaugh's 8-4, 8-5, 9-3 type records and third/fourth place finishes in the Eastern Division? - Browns88
As long as there isn't a better option, and right now, I don't think there is. If you push Harbaugh out of town, who are you going to bring in that is better? I don't know, but I think Harbaugh is in Ann Arbor for the foreseeable future.
Biggest offensive threat for TTUN? - Seattle Linga
Running back Chris Evans is a problem for opposing defenses when he gets into the open field. Wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones is a player who can win one-on-one battles if given a chance by whoever his quarterback might be.
Tarik Black would have been my top choice here, but Michigan's No. 1 receiver went down with an injury early in the year and has not returned. Look out for Black in next year's game. He is a playmaker.
Are we going to see Tuf Borland in the middle with Worley on the outside? - Isaac2118
I would be shocked if we saw anything different. Borland isn't as solid in pass coverage as Worley, but against a run-first offense, Borland is solid and the better choice inside.
If you had to select a post 2000 Buckeye Big 3 (QB, RB, and WR) to win The Game on a two minute drive, who do you take and why? - GINNandjuice
Give me Troy Smith at quarterback, Ezekiel Elliott at running back and Devin Smith at wide receiver.
Troy Smith's comeback against Michigan in 2005 is one of the best in the rivalry, and in a two-minute drill, you want a running back who can catch as well as block. Elliott fits that mold better than anyone in recent Ohio State memory. Give me Devin Smith, because he can beat anyone deep and track the long ball better than anyone I have ever seen. The fact that Ohio State never lost a game he scored in also plays into my decision.
How many of Michigan’s starters would start for Ohio State? If you could take one of their players and put them on the Buckeyes, who would you pick? - 82spencer
I don't think many, but if I could pick a few Wolverines for Ohio State's roster I would take Peoples-Jones on offense and Maurice Hurst on defense. Hurst would make Ohio State's defensive line even better and Peoples-Jones would give the Buckeye offense a big play threat on the outside.
Is the key to winning putting the ball in J.T.'s hands and letting him find holes in the Michigan secondary? Or will it be to use Dobbins and Weber to punish the front seven of the Wolverines, and wear them down so that in the second half the backs are ripping off big gains? - RunEddieRun1983
Run the ball and good things will happen for Ohio State. Try to get too cute and do too much, you open the door for Michigan to pull the upset. I think Urban Meyer has finally figured that out. I am picking Ohio State to win a close one, 27-21.
