If the conferences are given autonomy in their ability to stage championship games, we could see the end of split-division conferences. We could also see conferences decide to make the conference title game a flex-game entity in which the conference champion might not play in it. For instance, the Big Ten could have chosen this year (under a liberalized structure) to anoint Ohio State as its champion. The conference title game slot this Saturday could have beloned to Michigan State and Wisconsin, the second- and third-place teams. Ohio State would love the ability to rest and heal for the bowls. Michigan State and Wisconsin could gain a quality win. Shouldn’t conferences have the freedom to be able to do this? They might… if legislation makes its way through an NCAA board in April.

Five Reasons Ohio State Beats Michigan

Posted by on Nov 23, 2016 18:50

We are on the cusp of another potential Picasso in November as the annual grudge match between Ohio State and Michigan is nearly upon us. So who wins? Here are five reasons the Buckeyes are victorious this Saturday.

Contact/Follow @PhilHarrisonCFB

http://gty.im/357521

There have been iconic moments and players littered throughout The Game, and you can expect Saturday to add the next suspenseful chapter in what should be on any college football fan’s list of best sellers.

Not since 2006 have the stakes been so high, with the winner likely to move on for consideration for the College Football Playoff. Not since then have the talent on the field been so equally matched with the winner being anyone’s guess.

This should be a whale of a game between two of the best teams in the country. You want some early fodder on who’s going to win this matchup of titans you say? Well, here are five reasons why Ohio State beats Michigan on Saturday:

5. J.T. Barrett

Of all the players suiting up on a palette of Scarlet and Gray and Maize and Blue at high Noon on Saturday, perhaps none has more experience and talent than the Ohio State quarterback. No. 16 has seen a lot in his time in Columbus, and there’s not much that’s going to rattle him.

He’ll be tough, decisive and his ability to stand in the pocket and even step up and make the crafty and determined runs to move the chains could be all of the difference. If you had to pick one guy that’s going to lead his team in the big moments, Barrett would be it. He has more touchdowns in Big Ten play than anyone in history, and there’s a good reason why.

4. Skilled Talent

Yeah Ohio State is young and we’ve seen some inconsistent play at times this year, but the Buckeyes have a wee-bit more talent than what’s on the sideline of the Maize and Blue. And it comes in waves.

It’s not like Michigan is slow and plodding, but Urban Meyer has recruited a bevy of speed and athleticism that, given the chance, can make big plays on both sides of the ball. We all know about J.T. Barrett, Curtis Samuel and Mike Weber at the skill positions, but there are others like Noah Brown, K.J Hill and Marcus Baugh on offense that can be heroes as well.

Pick your poison Mr. Khaki.

3. Opportunistic Defense

The OSU defense is second in the country in touchdowns scored on that side of the ball. The defensive line is deep and has been able to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, allowing the secondary to stay back in coverage.

The result has been tight windows that have led to multiple interceptions, many of which have been taken back for six points. Whether it’s Wilton Speight or John O’Korn that gets the start for Michigan on Saturday, yards through the air will be touch to come by.

Tread lightly or risk Malik Hooker and company making momentum turning interceptions.

2. Home Cookin’

Yep. The Game is in the ‘Shoe this year. Of all the places to play in America, Columbus is one of the toughest venues, especially for a big game. This one might qualify. In fact, since the BCS era, Ohio State has racked up more home wins than any other power-five team in the country (98).

The crowd will be loud, the team jazzed up, and it’ll make it tough on the Wolverines as far as communication and checking out of plays is concerned.  It’ll be hard enough to move the ball on the nation’s 4th ranked defense without the crowd adding to everything.

1. Urban Meyer

Ohio State fans will see your Jim Harbaugh and raise you an Urban Meyer. Yeah Harbaugh has seemingly elevated Michigan back among the elite, but when you stack the two up, there’s really no comparison.

Maybe Harbaugh gets there, but he has yet to win a championship of any sort — aside from maybe winning at Twitter. Meyer on the other hand has three national championships to go with a slew of conference and bowl titles at multiple stops. He’s won at least twelve games every year in Columbus.

Meyer has shown the ability to come up with great game plans, make in-game adjustments, and allow all those around him to give input for a better product. He also has a knack for getting his teams ready to perform in the big game.

Aside from keeping your Maize and Blue glasses on, what coach would you rather have taking your team into the trenches for a one-game playoff. Give me one Urban Frank Meyer every day, all day.

 

*

Phil Harrison is a frequent contributor to The Student Section. He is also a featured contributor to collegefootballews.com, and talking10.com. You can follow him on twitter @PhilHarrisonCFB or email him at pharrison28@gmail.com. If that doesn’t work, you can find him in the doghouse at home.

About Phil Harrison

Phil has been writing about college sports for over eight years. In addition to contributing to The Comeback, he is a frequent contributor to collegefootballnews.com and talking10.com. His writing has been featured on foxsports.com, espn.com, and cbssportsline.com among others. He's a Jack of all trades, and a master of one -- living in the doghouse at home far too often. Follow him on Twitter @PhilHarrisonCFB

Quantcast