When a team comes into the annual Ohio State-Michigan rivalry undefeated, there is always concern from that team’s fan base that the opposing squad will come in and ruin everything.
Take heart, Ohio State fans, because that won’t be happening this year.
For what it’s worth, the Wolverines actually have more riding on this game than the Buckeyes.
It is Michigan—not Ohio State—that has a chance to make it to the Big Ten title game with a loss by Nebraska to Iowa on Friday.
It is the Wolverines—not the Buckeyes—who have struggled in Columbus, last winning in The Shoe in 2000.
It is Brady Hoke’s team—not Urban Meyer’s—that may use its most dynamic offensive player at a position he has very limited experience at this season.
In short, Ohio State should be able to play pretty loose for a team that is one game away from finishing the regular season undefeated.
It isn’t as if a loss will send the Buckeyes from national title contender to the Rose Bowl. This is it. Essentially, Michigan is Ohio State’s national title game.
In addition, as a result of the Buckeyes’ bowl ban, the nation will be more focused on a game taking place in Los Angeles later Saturday night.
To some extent, the Buckeyes have the media to thank for their relative “under the radar” status.
Since Ohio State is ineligible for postseason play, the AP poll has been reluctant to place the Buckeyes too high in the rankings. Consequently, Urban Meyer’s squad was jumped by Georgia when the most recent poll was released this past Sunday, even though the Bulldogs had merely beaten FCS-member Georgia Southern.
Continue reading at Bleacher Report – Big Ten Football
