Iron Bowl, The Game and the best rivalry games die-hard fans have to watch Thanksgiving week

(4) Michigan vs. (10) Ohio State – Saturday 12:00 pm – FOX

If there is any rivalry that tops the Iron Bowl, it would be The Game and the 115th edition will be about more than bragging rights. For both Michigan and Ohio State, a victory on Saturday will clinch the Big Ten East and give them an opportunity to secure a spot in the College Football Playoffs.

Although Ohio State is ranked in the top-10, they haven’t looked the part since being blown out by Purdue in October. Since that loss, the Buckeyes squeaked by a Nebraska team with only two wins at the time and needed a failed two-point conversion attempt to beat Maryland by one-point last weekend.

Defensively, Ohio State has been one of the worst units in the Big Ten since their loss and have given up an average of 34 points per game over their last four contests. Offensively, the Buckeyes have played better, but have not been able to take care of the ball. Over that four game span, Ohio State has had eight turnovers and if not corrected, this game will be over before the second half.

While the Buckeyes have struggled, Michigan has continued to gain momentum. After losing to Notre Dame to open the season, the Wolverines have reeled off 10-straight wins in dominate fashion and have climbed to the No. 4 spot in the College Football Playoff Rankings. On the defensive side of the ball, Michigan fields one of the best units in the country. On the year, the Wolverines rank in the top-five of nearly every defensive statistic, with the secondary leading the way and holding opponents to a measly 123 passing yards per game.

Although the defense has been all the talk in Ann Arbor, the Michigan offense plays physical and can impose their will on opposing teams. The Wolverines are led by quarterback Shea Patterson and running back Karan Higdon, who have helped Michigan average 37 points and 430 yards per game. If Michigan simply continues doing what they’ve done over the past 10 games, they will have no problem shutting down the Buckeyes and clinching a spot in the Big Ten Championship.

Ohio State has won the past six games in this rivalry, but that streak will come to an end this weekend. Michigan is simply the better team and the Buckeyes don’t look ready for the challenge. The Wolverines will dominate from start to finish and easily cover the 4.5-point spread.