Is Ohio State setting disappointing stage to lose to Michigan again?
By John Buhler
While Penn State put up a fight, Ohio State needs to be concerned about Michigan already.
Although Ohio State got a quality road win over a ranked opponent in Penn State, Buckeye Nation should be concerned about what lies ahead in The Game vs. the school up north.
No. 2 Ohio State did beat No. 13 Penn State in Happy Valley 44-31 to get to 8-0, but James Franklin’s team is not exactly an offensive juggernaut. Michigan can really put up points with J.J. McCarthy now under center and Blake Corum leading the charge in the backfield. After getting pushed around badly in The Big House last year, the Buckeyes could be in for a rude awakening.
Ohio State has plenty of time to get this right, but Michigan is definitely not a one-year wonder.
Ohio State may not be ready for when Michigan comes into The Horseshoe
If we take a look at the Buckeyes’ remaining schedule, there aren’t a lot of Penn States left on it. Ohio State plays at Northwestern next week, hosts Indiana on Nov. 12 and will go to College Park to take on Maryland the week before The Game. While Mike Locksley’s Terrapins sure are feisty, Pat Fitzgerald’s Wildcats and Tom Allen’s Hoosiers sure aren’t. Maybe the Terps can play spoiler?
Of course, this could all be a moot point if Tuck coming and Michigan loses to Sparty for the third year in a row. And even if Michigan loses a dumb one at home to little brother, the Wolverines have time to get right at Rutgers and home vs. Nebraska before The Game. Also, they have possibly a huge one at home the week before when Big Ten West favorite Illinois comes to town.
Ultimately, Michigan looked way better against Penn State than Ohio State did. Yes, that one was at home for the Wolverines, but they came out of halftime and wiped the floor with the Nittany Lions like they were discarded PB&Js. With The Game being in Columbus, Ohio State has to love that. However, we may live in a world where Michigan is going back to the College Football Playoff.
It will all be decided over Thanksgiving Weekend, but Michigan definitely has a chance in this one.
Next. Who is the best remaining undefeated team in Week 9?. dark
For more College Football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.