It's almost time for another Ohio State vs. Michigan game, and the stakes are pretty massive yet again. The Wolverines would need some help to get to Indy for a shot at the Big Ten championship, but there's still a chance at making it into the College Football Playoff if they can knock off the No. 1 team in the country.
For the undefeated Buckeyes, winning would not only shake off a four-game losing streak to their arch rivals, but it would also allow them to punch their ticket to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship Game and a chance to secure the No. 1 seed in the CFP. There's little doubt Ohio State is the better team on paper, but this rivalry was built on underdogs spoiling the plans of the perceived better team. In fact, it could be argued that OSU was the better team on more than one occasion during the four-game losing streak.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSo, to beat Michigan on Saturday in the Big House, the Buckeyes will not only need to come up with a great game plan, but also execute on it to walk out a winner. Some keys are obvious and controllable; others, not so much.
We bring to you five keys to Ohio State beating Michigan this weekend.
No. 1 - Stop the Michigan running game
Nov 15, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Braden Turner (9) tackles Michigan Wolverines running back Jordan Marshall (23) during the first half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesWe know what Michigan is. The Wolverines won't completely abandon the passing game, but freshman Bryce Underwood is still a work in progress that isn't going to beat Ohio State through the air. Michigan has always looked to establish the run against the Buckeyes to control the clock, and you can bank on that being the game plan again.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe weather forecast is also calling for cold and a chance of snow, so that makes the running game even more important in this one. The Buckeyes will have to keep Michigan behind the chains on first and second down to bring about passing situations often. The Wolverines are a good running team, so they'll have some success, but if Ohio State can limit efforts on the ground, it's a big advantage for the Scarlet and Gray.
Ohio State has to play to its strengths
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) makes a one-handed catch in front of UCLA Bruins defensive back Andre Jordan Jr. (2) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.There is absolutely no reason Ohio State should have lost to Michigan last year. Head coach Ryan Day and the staff got so caught up in being the tougher team and falling into the narrative that the team that rushes for more yards in the rivalry typically wins that they forgot about the playmakers they had on the outside and the passing game.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe result was a game plan that went right along the narrow path to victory for the Wolverines, with running plays inside the tackles and fewer shots downfield to the likes of Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.
That can't happen in this one. Ohio State has to play as it did after the loss to Michigan and open things up, take advantage of the skill guys it has on offense, and do what it must to move the ball in the framework of its own identity, not what history says should happen.
Ohio State has to get out ahead of Michigan
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads his team onto the field prior to the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.One way to knock the last four years to the curb is to jump on Michigan, get a lead early, and make the Wolverines play from behind. The Wolverines would love nothing more than to trade blow for blow in the trenches, but to do that, they have to be in a game that's close to keep the running game as the bread and butter of the game plan.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIf the Buckeyes can get out in front like they've done in every game this year, Michigan will have no choice but to throw the ball more and get out of character, and that's when the OSU defense gets even more dangerous because of the stress it can put on the quarterback and passing game. Also, if it's a close game throughout, there will be rising belief on the Michigan sideline and a familiar feeling on Ohio State's.
Ohio State has to take advantage of scoring opportunities
Ohio State Buckeyes kicker Jayden Fielding (38) kicks an extra point during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.This pertains to two aspects of the game. When the Buckeyes get down in the red zone, they need to cash those in with touchdowns and not field goals. Trading three points for seven is exactly what Michigan will be hoping for to keep it within reach. Big plays might be the best way to take care of that, but once things tighten up down there, execution and decision-making will be crucial to pay those possessions off.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe second part of that is to at least walk away with points if the Michigan defense is able to hold Ohio State to field goals a time or two. Last year, Jayden Fielding missed two field goals that could have been the difference in the game. When you have a chance to put points on the board, whether it be three or seven, you have to make good on it, because as we've seen, one play can make all the difference in the world in this one.
The Ohio State offense has to have some balance
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) runs for a touchdown past Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Jett Elad (9) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.I've heard even some of the best analysts in the media talk about this. With the weapons Ohio State has in the passing game, maybe it can just line up and pass its way to victory. And while, yeah, that could happen, the Buckeyes have to at least move the ball on the ground a little bit to have the best chance of heading home still undefeated.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNot only can moving the chains in the running game keep the defense off the field to rest, but it also keeps the Michigan defense honest and guessing with the play calling. Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has been known to blitz a lot, but against Ohio State, things have morphed into sitting back in a zone defense more. That should allow for the correct reads to result in medium to intermediate routes in the passing game, but also the ability to move the ball a little on the ground.
OSU doesn't have to bully Michigan to death on the ground, but it does need enough balance to do what it needs to win the game. That load will fall on Bo Jackson, and he'll need to be productive on Saturday.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State vs. Michigan: 5 keys to a Buckeyes victory Saturday
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