QUARTERBACKS
J.T. Barrett can become the first Ohio State quarterback ever to go 4-0 as a starter against Michigan. Three have gone 3-0.
Michigan starter Brandon Peters’ status is uncertain after taking a big hit in a 24-10 loss to Wisconsin last week. Wilton Speight, who started the first four games of the season before suffering a back injury, returned to practice last week but it is not clear if he is game ready. John O’Korn is the other option.
Advantage: Ohio State
RUNNING BACKS
Ohio State freshman J.K. Dobbins (1,089 yards) has rushed for 32 more yards than Penn State’s Saquon Barkley. Mike Weber, who was the subject of an intense recruiting battle between OSU and Michigan, has rushed for 162 yards and 108 yards in the last two games.
Michigan’s running game is the strength of its offense. Karan Higdon (874 yards), Chris Evans (594 yards) and Ty Issac (548 yards) lead the way.
Advantage: Ohio State
RECEIVERS
Having Parris Campbell healthy again gives Ohio State another big-play threat in its lineup, both in the passing game and on reverses. K.J. Hill’s two catches in last year’s double overtime win over Michigan were the only receptions by a current OSU wide receiver in that game.
For Michigan, Sean McKeon (27 catches, 279 yards) is the leading pass catcher. Michigan has only five receiving touchdowns in its last eight games and all of those belong to tight ends.
Advantage: Ohio State
OFFENSIVE LINE
Ohio State’s offensive line has come on strong the last two weeks. Can that trend continue against a Michigan defensive line that is one of the best in the Big Ten?
Michigan blocks effectively in the run game but has allowed 29 sacks. Only Maryland and Illinois have allowed more in the Big Ten.
Advantage: Ohio State
DEFENSIVE LINE
Ohio State’s defensive line has been very good most of the season but this might be the first game an opponent will have a defensive line as good or better than the Buckeyes.
Michigan has 36 sacks, seven more than OSU. End Chase Winovich (7 sacks, 16 tackles for losses) is the Wolverines’ best pass rusher. End Rashan Gary and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst also are solid. They can be run on, though. Maryland, Wisconsin and Penn State rushed for 180 yards, 182 yards and 224 yards.
Advantage: Ohio State
LINEBACKERS
Who are the real Ohio State linebackers? The ones who dominated against Michigan State and Illinois or the ones who looked lost against Iowa? Moving Tuf Borland into the middle and freeing up Chris Worley to move outside might have made a difference.
Mike McCray, son of a former Ohio State captain, is a two-year starter for Michigan. Khaleke Hudson is tied for the team lead with seven sacks. Devin Bush leads the team in tackles with 87.
Advantage: Michigan
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Safety Jordan Fuller is probable this week for OSU after missing last week’s game with a leg issue.
Michigan given up more than 200 yards passing only once this year despite having two first-year starters in its defensive backfield.
Advantage: Michigan
SPECIAL TEAMS
OSU’s kick coverage has improved dramatically since giving up two kickoff returns for touchdowns earlier this season.
Michigan kicker Quinn Nordin is in a slump. He has missed three of his last four field goal attempts and two extra points recently.
Advantage: Ohio State
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