We finally got to witness the Ohio State team we had hoped to see all season long in the second half of the Buckeyes’ 37-3 thrashing of Minnesota on Saturday. Additionally, it was timely.
When the Buckeyes and Wolverines square off in The Game on Saturday at noon ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app, both teams will be 11-0. For the second time in as many years—and only the third time since 2006—they will both be included among the top four clubs in the league.
Although the Wolverines have emerged victorious in the last two seasons, the Buckeyes are starting to gel offensively at a time when their defense is still quite effective.
The Wolverines have prevailed over their past two opponents by a combined score of 55-39, while the Buckeyes have outscored their opponents by a combined 75-6.
Furthermore, Kyle McCord’s play has been more inspirational than J.J. McCarthy’s. McCarthy only completed 12 of 23 passes against Maryland for 141 yards and an interception. Earlier in the season, McCord was 19 of 29 for 320 yards and two touchdowns against the same Terps.
The Game feels like a fair fight for the first time in their last three meetings. To counter the play of Blake Corum and Roman Wilson, the Buckeyes not only have momentum but also two exceptional home run hitters in Marvin Harrison Jr. and TreVeyon Henderson.
Should Michigan be concerned about Ohio State?
The Buckeyes will eliminate any doubt as the top team in the Big Ten Conference if they can repeat the offensive barrage they saw against the Gophers on Saturday.
After Week 12, these are my Top 25 rankings.
1. Georgia (11-0)
Defeated Tennessee, 38-10
As one of the top three quarterbacks in the SEC, Carson Beck has matured. In the victory, he went 24 of 30 for 298 yards and three touchdowns.
Georgia’s Carson Beck has made the squad appear to be the finest in college football.
2. Ohio State (11-0)
Defeated Minnesota, 37-3
With 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard touchdown to start the second half for the Buckeyes, TreVeyon Henderson got the offense going.
3. Michigan (11-0)
Defeated Maryland, 31-24
With his 50th and 51st touchdowns, Michigan running back Blake Corum assumed possession of the school record for career rushing touchdowns. In addition, he has scored 20 rushing touchdowns this season; his next one would tie the school record held by Hassan Haskins, a former teammate.
Defeated Oregon State, 22-20
With just 13 of 28 throws completed for 162 yards and two touchdowns, Michael Penix Jr. However, Rome Odunze caught seven of those receptions, 106 of those yards, and both of those touchdowns, adding to a record that should earn him an All-American selection.
5. Florida State (11-0)
Defeated North Alabama, 58-13
In the game, FSU Heisman Trophy candidate Jordan Travis sustained a season-ending injury. Losing Travis definitely weakens the Noles’ chances of capturing their first national championship in ten years, even though they are still unbeaten and will compete for the ACC Championship.
In relief, FSU quarterback Tate Rodemaker completed 13 of 23 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns.
6. Oregon (10-1)
Defeated Arizona State, 49-13
Oregon QBBo Nix improved his Heisman record in the victory, finishing 24 of 29 passes for 404 yards and six touchdowns.
Bo Nix throws for a career-high SIX TDs7. Texas (10-1)
Defeated Iowa State, 26-16
The victory came despite Texas running back C.J. Baxter carrying the ball 20 times for 117 yards in his debut game without standout tailback Jonathan Brooks.
8. Alabama (10-1)
Defeated Chattanooga, 66-10
The Tide honored Senior Day by scoring at least 14 points in each of their victories, sealing the SEC West championship.
9. Louisville (10-1)
Defeated Miami, 38-31
Jeff Brohm’s great first year back in Louisville keeps going strong. The Cardinals’ victory over the Canes advanced them to play unbeaten FSU in the ACC championship game.
10. Penn State (9-2)
Defeated Rutgers, 27-6
The Nittany Lions defeated the Scarlet Knights, who were qualified for the bowl, despite the dismissal of offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich earlier this week. The only two games PSU has lost are to 11-0 opponents Michigan and Ohio State.
Kaytron Allen punches in the touchdown vs. Rutgers
Defeated Louisiana-Monroe, 35-3
In the second half, the Rebels outscored the WarHawks 28 to 0.
12. Missouri (9-2)
Defeated Florida, 33-31
Brady Cook, the quarterback, completed 20 of 35 throws for 331 yards and a touchdown in the victory. Luther Burden, the wide receiver for Mizzou, caught nine catches for 158 yards. Cody Schrader, the running back, gained 148 yards on 23 runs.
13. Oklahoma (9-2)
Defeated BYU, 31-24
With star quarterback Dillon Gabriel sidelined for the second half of the game, the Sooners managed to win by a single touchdown and maintain their hopes of competing in the Big 12 championship game.
No. 14 Oklahoma beats BYU after Dillon Gabriel leaves with injury
Defeated Illinois, 15-13
Early in the season, quarterback Cade McNamara was lost by the Hawkeyes. The best player in the program, Cooper DeJean, was gone for the season last week, and they also fired offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz. Still, they are 9-2 and will compete for the Big Ten Championship against the winner of Ohio State vs Michigan.
15. Oregon State (8-3)
Lost to Washington, 22-20
Damien Martinez rushed 123 yards on 26 rushes with two TDs.
16. Kansas State (8-3)
Defeated Kansas, 31-27
The Wildcats were outgained in this one, but Will Howard’s 15-yard TD run in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference.
17. Arizona (8-3)
Defeated Utah, 42-18
The Wildcats have beaten four ranked opponents. No one has beaten more ranked opponents this season.
18. Tulane (10-1)
Defeated Florida Atlantic, 24-8
The Green Wave’s only loss this season is to Ole Miss.
19. LSU (8-3)
Defeated Georgia State, 56-14
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels added to his Heisman résumé with 509 total yards and eight total touchdowns in an easy win.
20. Oklahoma State (8-3)
Defeated Houston, 43-30
OSU running back Ollie Gordon got back on track with 25 rushes for 164 yards with three TDs.
21. Notre Dame (8-3)
Defeated Wake Forest, 45-7
Sam Hartman threw four TD passes against his former team.
22. Toledo (10-1)
Defeated Bowling Green, 32-31
The Rockets’ only loss this season came to Illinois … on a Hail Mary.
23. UNLV (9-2)
Defeated Air Force, 31-27
UNLV has won three straight, with two of those games coming on the road.
24. Liberty (11-0)
Defeated UMass, 49-25
Kaidon Salter passed for 225 yards and rushed for 118 more, scoring four total TDs.
25. SMU (9-2)
Defeated Memphis, 38-34
Preston Stone passed for 286 yards and three TDs as the Mustangs won their seventh straight.