\nOhio State<\/strong>: 9-2 SU, 8-3 ATS
\nMichigan<\/strong>: 5-6 SU, 4-6 ATS <\/p>\n
Ohio State\u2019s fate is decided already; its dramatic overtime win over Iowa vaulted it into the Rose Bowl. Scuffling Michigan, however, needs to string some wins together if it wants to play in any remotely meaningful bowl game.<\/p>\n
Can Michigan score enough to hang with Ohio State? Early season results suggest so but last week\u2019s embarrassing lost to Wisconsin indicates otherwise. Quarterback Tate Forcier has been competent but did nothing against the Badgers, throwing for just 188 yards. The biggest letdown was Michigan\u2019s running game. The Wolverines entered the Wisconsin game averaging 200-plus rushing yards per contest\u2026and tallied just 71 yards on the ground versus the Badgers. If Michigan\u2019s offensive starters don\u2019t step up their play, it\u2019s tough to imagine them winning, especially since Ohio State was strong defensively when it mattered last week. The Buckeyes shut Iowa down in overtime. Forcier has to be careful with his throws, as Ohio State\u2019s No. 5 overall defense is tied for second in the nation with 19 interceptions this season.<\/p>\n
Ranking nowhere near the country\u2019s top 25 offenses, Ohio State does just enough to support its stellar defense. Pivot Terrelle Pryor isn\u2019t perfect but he\u2019s improved throughout the season and he makes plays with his feet. In addition to his 15 touchdown passes, he\u2019s rushed for seven scores. He\u2019s dangerous enough outside the pocket that he could make some plays against Michigan. It\u2019s not like Michigan has been stonewalling anyone; its 45 points allowed to Wisconsin last week was its worst number ever against the Badgers.<\/p>\n