Preview: Michigan Offense vs. Ohio State Defense
RUSH OFFENSE vs. OHIO STATE RUSH DEFENSE
Michigan is #4 in rushing offense (243.8 yards/game) and #12 in yards per carry (5.51). Starting running back Blake Corum managed to hit the 100-yard mark yet again (18 carries, 108 yards, 1 TD), but he only ran the ball once in the second half after taking a hit to the knee. That compounded the problem of not having backup Donovan Edwards, so Michigan was forced to use freshman C.J. Stokes, walk-on Isaiah Gash, and a small dose of redshirt freshman Tavierre Dunlap. Stokes has potential but needs to develop physically, and Gash is a limited runner and pass catcher. Up front right tackle Trente Jones is rumored to be returning from injury this week, while the status of left guard Trevor Keegan is in question. Defensively, Ohio State is #15 against the run (107.9 yards allowed/game) and they give up the 8th fewest yards per carry (3.08). Senior linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (6’2″, 239 lbs.) leads the team with 105 tackles with a distant second place from fellow senior ‘backer Steele Chambers (6’1″, 232), and third place is junior safety Lathan Ransom (6’1″, 205). The Buckeyes are #18 in tackles for loss per game (7.0), and once again, Eichenberg leads the way with 12, followed by defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (6’4″, 270) with 9. This is an advantage for Michigan if everyone’s healthy, but if Corum isn’t close to 100% and Michigan is forced to use Stokes, Gash, and Dunlap extensively, it’s going to be trouble.
Advantage: Michigan
PASS OFFENSE vs. OHIO STATE PASS DEFENSE
Michigan is #99 in passing offense (208.8 yards/game), tied for #45 in yards per attempt (7.8), and #30 in passing efficiency. Some of those numbers are misleading, because the passing game started off great this season and has tailed off in recent weeks. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has not completed even 53% of his throws in any of the past three games, and he’s averaging 6.3 yards/attempt during that stretch. Reliable Ronnie Bell (48 catches, 651 yards, 2 TD) leads the team in tackles, but the #2 receiving target, tight end Luke Schoonmaker (30 catches, 315 yards, 2 TD) has missed the past two games due to injury. Speedster Roman Wilson has just 3 catches for 19 yards over the past four weeks (one of which he missed due to injury). The Wolverines rank #19 in the country in giving up sacks at just 1.09 per game. Ohio State is tied at #22 in sacks per game (2.82), led by sophomore defensive tackle Michael Hall, Jr. (6’2″, 290) and sophomore defensive end Jack Sawyer (6’4″, 267) with 4.5. Tuimoloau has really taken off during the second half of the season, notching 6 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and all 4 of his sacks in the past five games. Overall, the Buckeyes are #11 in pass defense (175.5 yards allowed/game), tied at #24 in yards allowed per attempt (6.4), and #28 in pass efficiency defense. Senior nickel safety Tanner McCalister (5’11”, 195) leads the squad with 3 interceptions.
Advantage: Ohio State
