Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State Football: Q&A With Michigan Expert Before 'The Game'

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Ohio State-Michigan game should be quite a battle this year. I exchanged a Q&A with a Michigan expert to find out what the fans of the team up north are thinking.

There is a pretty big game coming up if you haven’t heard. The 113th installment of the Ohio State-Michigan game.

It is an extremely important game for both teams and will have implications for the College Football Playoff. The winning team very well could be in and the loser will almost certainly be left out of the playoff.

Ohio State fans are anxious about the game that’s for sure. I wondered what they were thinking up north, so I reached out to Michigan expert Tyler Fenwick at GBM Wolverine to find out.

Here is my Q&A with Tyler:

S&G: This is the most high-stakes game between Michigan and Ohio State since 2006. Do you think it’ll live up to the hype?

Yes… for probably the first half. I really want to say this turns into a classic game that we’ll be talking about for years and years to come, but the simple truth is that Michigan hasn’t held up its end of the bargain in recent years. Had the Wolverines competed with the Buckeyes last season, I wouldn’t have a problem saying this one lives up to the hype. But even last season, with a talented team, Michigan was overrun by Ohio State. Until they prove they can do otherwise, I have no reason to think the Wolverines will step up to Ohio State’s level on the one Saturday they share a field.

S&G: Do you get the sense that Michigan fans are nervous about this game?

Definitely, and I think we have good reason to be. I sort of went through the speal with my last answer so I won’t exhaust it again. But that’s basically it. It’s been too apparent for us to be in denial about the state of this rivalry. Another loss on Saturday is going to be disastrous, so we’re nervous.

S&G: What’s the most important thing Michigan has to do to beat Ohio State?

I know most people will be focusing on what the offense can do, especially if John O’Korn is the starter again at quarterback. However, Michigan’s defense didn’t do well at all against Ohio State last season, and that’s going to be the real key to hanging with (and then maybe beating) the Buckeyes on Saturday. I’m not even going to say it’s the run or pass defense in particular; Michigan just has to get stops.

S&G: What’s the most important thing Ohio State has to do to beat Michigan?

I think it’s probably stopping Michigan’s running backs between the tackles. Even though the Wolverines have inexplicably gone away from that the last couple weeks, it’s still the best thing this offense has going for it (especially with O’Korn). Michigan has the speed to get to the outside with guys like Chris Evans and Eddie McDoom, but it works better when sprinkled in with the traditional running game. Take away Michigan’s power, and the offense is going to have a hard time getting going.

S&G: Is there anything about this Michigan team that you think Ohio State fans are overlooking?

Perhaps it’s the special teams. And I’m not just talking about Jabrill Peppers. Michigan blocked four kicks (two field goals and two punts) against UCF earlier this year. Michigan also blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown against Colorado. Then against Indiana last week Michigan blocked two more punts. I might even be forgetting some, but that’s plenty of evidence to show the Wolverines’ special teams have been incredible this year.

Everybody get strapped in tight. ‘The Game’ is almost here.

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