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1. Among quarterbacks, Michigan’s JJ McCarthy outperforms Kyle McCord.
Everyone in the nation, including Ryan Day and his staff, would prefer McCarthy over McCord, regardless of the numbers. Although JJ hasn’t been playing well the last several weeks and may not be fully recovered, he still has the advantage over McCord in almost every aspect.
He has a more live arm that enables him to make every throw with excellent timing and tempo; he is also a superior athlete, which makes him much better at throwing the ball when he is not in a clear pocket or is moving; and he is more of a playmaker, which can be quite important in close games.
Additionally, he performs considerably better under duress, which could be crucial in this game. He’s simply a superior quarterback when you take into account that he excels in mental preparation and technique. The fact that he is 2-0 versus the Buckeyes vs Michigan should be able to run the ball efficiently if the line holds together and tight ends AJ Barner, Max Bredeson, and Colston Loveland are used as chippers a bit more frequently. Perhaps not quite as effectively as they were in 2021 or 2022, but still good enough to manage the game and win, similar to Penn State. usly helps.
2. Michigan’s offensive line is superior.
Michigan is one of the 12 semifinalists this year and has earned the Joe Moore Award for the finest offensive line in the country the last two years. Ohio State isn’t. With Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter serving as reliable guards, the Wolverines are undeniably superior up front.
Center Despite being somewhat tiny, Drake Nugent is incredibly powerful, spiteful, and intelligent. Karsen Barnhart can move back to the right side of the line this week as La-Darius Henderson is slated to return to left tackle. The tackle positions are a little erratic right now as the Wolverines work to get healthy.
If the line is intact, and tight ends AJ Barner, Max Bredeson and Colston Loveland are utilized as chippers a bit more often, Michigan should be able to run the ball effectively. Maybe not quite as dominantly as they did in 2021 or 2022, but effective enough to control the game and get a win, a la Penn State.
3.ย Ann Arbor is the site of the game
It goes without saying that collegiate athletics revolve around huge games, where the home team typically has the advantage in close games. It’s not necessarily an advantage, since the Wolverines thrashed Ohio State in Columbus last season on the road, but Michigan is thought to be the stronger, more cohesive team this year and gets to host the Bucks.
That’s remarkable, particularly in light of Jim Harbaugh’s absence. That’s a major matter since there will be almost 110,000 fans in The major House, practically all of them cheering for the Wolverines. If Michigan can play flawless football, the spectators will matter. They will cause OSU problems all day long if they can take an early lead.
4. Added inspiration
This one is self-explanatory. The players and coaches want to win the biggest game of the year for their head coach, Jim Harbaugh, who will be missing for the third straight game. The players are prepared to silence everyone after they’ve been aware of the outside noise for almost a month.
They’ve already demonstrated their abilities in a few instancesโbeating Penn State in Happy Valley without Harbaugh, defeating Michigan State 49-0 in East Lansing, and repelling a fierce Maryland squad last weekโbut until Michigan defeats OSU this weekend, a lot of people will continue to argue that Michigan is simply a very good football team.
With the Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff ramifications, this seasoned, gifted, and enraged Michigan squad has everything they need to win a big game, including fodder for the bulletin board.
5. Self-assurance
Lastly, and maybe most significantly, Michigan’s confidence will help them win. JJ McCarthy, Donovan Edwards, Will Johnson, Junior Colson, Kenneth Grant, Mason Graham, Rod Moore, and other key players in this game are only aware of defeating Ohio State.
They know how to defeat Ohio State, but they also know how to kick them in the ass by 22 last year in Columbus. That really makes up nearly the whole team. This results in a very self-assured group when they perform at home. Despite the absence of Harbaugh, the club managed to secure a victory in Happy Valley even without their head coach.
They can defeat Ohio State, as JJ, Blake Corum, Dono, KG, Rod Moore, Mason Graham, Kris Jenkins, Will Johnson, Makari Paige, Braiden McGregor, Jaylen Harrell, and the majority of the linemen KNOW. That is strong.