Ohio State @ Michigan preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 24, 2018 ) Michigan 39, Ohio State 62

Second-ranked Ohio State goes into its rivalry game against No. 11 Michigan having already clinched the Big Ten East Division title and a berth in the conference championship game the following week, but that doesn't mean Saturday's annual border battle in Ann Arbor, Mich., lacks significance. The Buckeyes, who are No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings, are out to not only continue their recent dominance in the series but remain in prime position to win a national title.

The talent gap between Ohio State and Michigan is reflected in the Buckeyes winning 16 of the last 18 against the Wolverines. Ohio State enters this year's game with a 17-game overall winning streak and a seven-game win streak against Michigan. By all indications, Jim Harbaugh will have a tough time beating Ohio State for the first time in his five seasons as Wolverines coach. Ohio State has crushed its opponents this year and handled its biggest challenge to date last week in a 28-17 victory over No. 12 Penn State.

TV: Noon ET, FOX. LINE: Ohio State -9

ABOUT MICHIGAN (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten): Defense (fourth nationally, allowing 267 yards per game) and the passing game will be key factors for the Wolverines in their bid for an upset. Quarterback Shea Patterson ranks third in the Big Ten with 229.4 passing yards per game and has skilled receivers at his disposal with Ronnie Bell (38 catches, 627 yards, one touchdown), Nico Collins (31, 649, seven) and Donovan Peoples-Jones (30, 335, five), but the Wolverines lack big-time production at running back with Zach Charbonnet (635 yards, 11 TDs). Collins went off against Indiana last week in a 39-14 victory with six catches for 165 yards and three TDs and Peoples-Jones added five receptions for 73 yards and a score.

ABOUT OHIO STATE (11-0, 8-0): The Buckeyes are loaded with talent across the board, but defensive end Chase Young, quarterback Justin Fields and running back J.K. Dobbins command most of the attention. Young, who leads the country in sacks, returned after missing two games because of a suspension to wreak havoc against Penn State with three sacks, four tackles for loss, nine total tackles and a forced fumble. Fields ranks third nationally in points responsible for with 258 and is tied for third with 33 touchdowns passes, and Dobbins moved into third on Ohio State's career rushing list with 3,902 yards after running for 157 and two touchdowns on 36 carries against Penn State.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ohio State leads the country in points per game (49.4), first downs (28.5), third-down conversions (58.1 percent), fewest points allowed (10.5), total defense (217.4 yards per game), passing yards allowed (126.2) and is second in sacks per game (4.27).

2. Dobbins needs 59 yards to pass Ezekiel Elliott for second on Ohio State's career rushing list.

3. Michigan has a 6-0 record at home this season and has won four in a row overall after its 28-21 loss at Penn State on Oct. 19.

PREDICTION: Ohio State 31, Michigan 20