Nov. 26 marks the day that the most anticipated battle will take place in college football. On a fall evening just three weeks away, two football powerhouses, armed with excellent coaching and natural talent, will meet for the 113th time for the annual showdown. The University of Michigan Wolverines will travel south to the Shoe in Columbus, Ohio for "The Game." Both teams are ranked in the Top 10, according to the AP poll.
The No. 2 ranked Wolverines will challenge the Buckeyes with an 8-0 undefeated record. The Wolverines dominate the football field with a 46-11 average score per game. The team’s largest win this season comes from the Rutgers game, defeating the opponent 78-0. The Wolverines lead the Big 10 East with a record of 5-0 in the conference. “That Team Up North” must play three more games against Maryland, Iowa and Indiana before coming to Columbus later in November.
The Buckeyes started their season strong, before Penn State University caused a 24-21 upset, marking the Buckeyes’ only L for the season so far. The Buckeyes average a 42-15 game, just falling short to their northern enemies. The Ohio team rolled through its season as No. 2 in the AP poll, just behind Alabama, before falling to No. 6 after the loss to Penn State. The Buckeyes follow behind Michigan with the number two spot in the Big 10 East. Despite the one loss, Coach Urban Meyer received only his fourth loss in four years as the coach at Ohio State. Before the Buckeyes battle against the Wolverines, the team must play No. 9 Nebraska, Maryland and Michigan State throughout this November.
The OSU Buckeyes currently have four consecutive wins against Michigan and look to continue the win streak. The Buckeyes have an experienced J.T. Barrett at quarterback. Barrett isn’t afraid to run or throw the ball, which makes him an unpredictable threat. However, after losing 16 starters to the NFL and graduation after last season, the Buckeyes filled the empty spots with inexperienced players with potential. The Michigan Wolverines continue to make a statement in college football. After making a comeback from the Brady Hoke era, second-year coach for Michigan Jim Harbaugh continues to draw attention to a team that was considered a joke for years. Unlike Ohio State, Michigan has many experienced players returning to the field this year. While Michigan has come a long way compared to past years and continues to improve, the team is not perfect. A mediocore offense relies heavily on the team's strong defense.
Both teams prove to have top team potential but also have a few kinks they need to work in order to be the best. The big rivalry game is only three weeks away and will be here before either team knows it. With clashing teams and top coaching staff, the game will likely be a blood bath for a trip to the Big 10 championship. The game kicks off at 12 p.m. in Columbus, Ohio this year.
