In order for the Ohio State Buckeyes to defeat the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, the defense must limit their rivals' offensive attack.
As the Ohio State Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day prepare for the program’s long-awaited return to Ann Arbor, MI., the No. 1 team in the nation will be playing with a different type of fire on Saturday afternoon.
Since taking over the head coach position back in 2018, Day’s kryptonite has been the Michigan Wolverines.
In his five games against the program’s biggest rival, the longtime coach holds a 1-4 record over Michigan, with his last win against the program coming back in 2019. This includes three straight losses to former head coach Jim Harbaugh and one shocking loss to current head coach Sherrone Moore.
Luckily for Buckeyes’ fans, Day has seemingly come out with a new approach to the matchup, as he told reporters earlier this week that he is willing to do whatever it takes to win the game.
In previous matchups, Day would try to win on the ground through his run game, instead of utilizing his incredible wide receiving corps. This year, however, the Buckeyes could potentially have their star wide receiver duo in Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate ready for the primetime matchup.
While the offense continues to be the headlines in the national media, it’s important not to overlook Ohio State’s defense, despite being one of the best units in college football this year.
Looking at Michigan’s offense, freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood has led the team to a 9-2 record this season. And while the blossoming star draws the attention of the college football world, the Wolverines' run game has been the key to unlocking Underwood.
Michigan currently ranks No. 10 amongst the entire FBS in rushing yards per game this year, with 223.5 yards per game. The success on the ground this season is due to the team’s dynamic duo of running backs Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes, who have combined for 1,728 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns through 11 games.
With the Wolverines entering the huge matchup with a freshman quarterback, it’s safe to assume that Moore will heavily rely on his run game in Week 14.
This, however, should not be an issue for defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and his stout unit, as the Buckeyes’ defense has steadily improved over the course of the 2025 season. In Week One against Texas, the defense was unable to contain the Longhorns' run game.
Flash forward to the present day, and the struggles against the run are no longer a problem for the Buckeyes. Ohio State ranks No. 2 in rushing yards allowed per game this season, with an average of 80 yards allowed per game.
In order to break the program’s four-game losing streak to Michigan, the defense must limit the run game on Saturday. This would force Moore to rely on Underwood in the passing game, and Patricia has done an excellent job this season when facing a young quarterback.