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Ohio State vs Michigan: 5 key players in ‘The Game’ 2016

By Nathaniel Reeves

Nov 19, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback John O
Nov 19, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback John O /
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Nov 5, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) gets his foot down for the reception during the second quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes lead 31-3 at half. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) gets his foot down for the reception during the second quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes lead 31-3 at half. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Curtis Samuel, RB, Ohio State

After being somewhat buried on the depth chart in 2015, Samuel is enjoying a terrific season and will be the single most important player for the Buckeyes’ offense come Saturday.

While listed as a running back, Samuel is a do-it-all playmaker who has drawn comparisons to college Percy Harvin. Samuel is averaging an impressive 7.7 yards per carry with seven touchdowns on 84 rushes this season, but has done even more damage as a receiving back with 61 catches for 790 yards and another seven scores.

Overall, Samuel’s 1,440 yards from scrimmage on 9.9 yards per touch establishes him as one of the best consistent home run threats in the nation. Michigan is one of the few defenses in the nation that is athletic enough to contain Samuel’s explosive ability, leading to an intriguing matchup.

Just like with Ezekiel Elliot a year ago, Ohio State seems to have forgotten Samuel in the gameplan at times this season, which has really hurt the offense. Samuel only had 10 touches including two carries in Ohio State’s lone loss of the year against Penn State, and was barely involved last Saturday in East Lansing.

That can’t happen on Saturday against the stingy Michigan defense. Samuel should get several looks against Peppers, who has the athletic ability to keep up with him but could struggle in pass coverage.

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