Ohio State Vs. Michigan Preview

Michigan went up to Camp Randall and were without Mike Hart due to an ankle injury and quarterback Chad Henne was pulled for what was believed to be a shoulder injury. The result: Michigan lost their first Big Ten game of the season and third game overall on the season.

Ohio State brought Illinois into the Horseshoe as they attempted to remain undefeated and the top-ranked team in the BCS. Three interceptions thrown by Todd Boeckman and 400 yards of Fighting Illini offense later, pushing and shoving at midfield ended the game, with Ohio State coming up short and losing their first game of the season.

Where do those losses leave both teams? In a conference that doesn't have a conference championship game, this game, just like last year's game, will determine not only who gets bragging rights, but also who takes the Big Ten Championship home.

Keys for Ohio State:
The Ohio State defense needs to step up in Ann Arbor this week and not allow another team to get 400 yards of offense on them. Ohio State got beat deep several times in the Illinois loss, on passes from Juice Williams to receivers that were wide open. Stopping the Michigan offense, no matter if Henne and Hart are in or not, will be important in controlling momentum and quieting the Michigan faithful. Look for Mario Manningham to see double coverage early in the game to prevent him from making a big play early in the game.

The Ohio State offense needs to be solid all around in order for the Buckeyes to bring home another Big Ten title. Boeckman needs to get into an early rhythm in what will be a wild and high-pressured situation in Ann Arbor. Using Chris "Beanie" Wells early in the game should work in the Buckeyes favor, allowing them to establish a rushing threat to set up play-action passes to Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie.

Keys for Michigan:
For the Michigan defense, it will be important to slow Ohio State down early. Ohio State showed this past week against Illinois that they can become rattled if they don't get out to a good start. Putting pressure on Boeckman could prove to be successful as long as the Wolverines get to him before he can connect with Hartline or Robiskie.

The Michigan offense will need to bring out all their playmakers if they plan to beat Ohio State, something they haven't had much success in doing in past years. This means that Chad Henne and Mike Hart will both need to be in the game, despite nagging injuries. It was reported on ESPN.com that Hart could have played, but that Michigan didn't want risk hurting him further. In their biggest game of the year, however, expect to see Hart in the backfield. Also, look for Henne to air the ball out to Manningham early and often, as he has proven to be one of Michigan's most consistent performers this season. A native of Ohio, Manningham has had 10 touchdown receptions in 7 Big Ten games this year.

Jim Tressel takes his 5-1 record against Michigan into Ann Arbor this week, looking for yet another win in one of the greatest football rivalries in college sports. Lloyd Carr has struggled recently against Ohio State and it seems as though recently Michigan just hasn't been able to outscore the Buckeyes. Chad Henne, in his fourth year with the Wolverines as a four-year starter, has not beaten the Buckeyes in his collegiate career, something that is the goal of every Michigan player, especially someone like Henne who is a veteran and icon of the Michigan program in past years.

However, unless Michigan can play an outstanding game on both sides of the ball, Ohio State will once again defeat Michigan, giving Boeckman his first career win over Michigan and moving Henne's record to 0-4 against Ohio State. Coming off a loss to Illinois, don't expect James Lauranitis and company to allow the Michigan offense to go much of anywhere with the ball. Boeckman will get off to a slow start until he is able to establish a rhythm, which could take almost the entire first quarter, as the Michigan crowd will add more pressure on Boeckman. In the end, the Michigan offense is going to come up short, chalking up another loss for Lloyd Carr.

Final score prediction: Ohio State 28, Michigan 24