Michigan 45, OSU 23.

[THE_WIZARD_]

I hear that Bert sold his defensive game plan against HARBAUGH!!!!!!! to HCRD!!!!!!! for a $250 Gift Card to Texas Roadhouse...

[JRB]

Michigan's been a front-running team all year. The nightmare scenario today would be facing a large deficit early. I could see OSU's passing game getting off to a hot start, a la their game against Michigan State last year, and Michigan's disabled offense not being able to keep up. I think that's a distinct possibility.

I think it's going to take something really extraordinary for Michigan to win today. Michigan doesn't have the advantage against OSU's offensive tackles that they had last year, so I don't see a Michigan defender having an all-world sort of day. This defense has been largely protected by Michigan's running game-- I'll be very surprised if Michigan holds Ohio State under 30 points again this year.

So, can Michigan's offense control this game? Maybe. I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm oddly at peace with it already. I don't have the same anxiety I had about this game in 2006 or 2016. This one feels more like gambling with house money-- I didn't expect this Michigan team to go 11-0, or to go 23-2 in the last two seasons. I thought Harbaugh's time had passed after the 2020 season, and I'm delighted to have been wrong about that. I'm not going to be disappointed in the state of Michigan football after today, no matter what happens. So, let's pay our money and take our chances. I just hope this one doesn't come down to a controversial call. It's time for The Game: no whining, no excuses, no quarter asked or given.

[THE_WIZARD_]

preemptive fuckin' refs

preemptive WWCAW

[Cody_Russell]

Offense: 0 or 1 turnovers + good JJ McCarthy would be extraordinary.
Defense: Need for pass rush and bracket coverage on Harrison Jr. all game. Bend, don’t break.

[THE_WIZARD_]

I won't.

[JRB]

Well, here goes everything...

[klondike]

Why did they defer. Idiotic

[JRB]

7-0, bad guys. Impressive opening drive for Ohio State.

[klondike]

Like a hot knife through butter. Ugh!

[Tom W]

Welcome to a shootout. Let’s hope we’ve got functional weapons and lots of ammo..

[JRB]

Corum shouldn't be trying to go.

[klondike]

Welcome to a shootout. Let’s hope we’ve got functional weapons and lots of ammo..

This has a 49-17 Bucks blowout feel to it.

[JRB]

7-3. Got something out of that drive, but not enough.

[JRB]

This has a 49-17 Bucks blowout feel to it.

Right now, it does. Michigan already needs some sort of momentum-changing play.

[WM Wolverine]

Corum tried to give it a go.