No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 3 Michigan Wolverines Game Predictions

Here is what the BuckeyesNow editors and staff writers think will happen when the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes battle the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines on Saturday

The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes and No. 3 Michigan Wolverines meet for the latest installment of their heated rivalry on Saturday, November 25.

There is much more than just a win or a loss on the line when the Buckeyes and Wolverines face off at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan this weekend, ensuring it will end up being a memorable game.

Bragging rights, a still-undefeated record and (most likely) a trip to the College Football Playoff are all up for grabs for Ohio State and Michigan. Here is what our BuckeyesNow team of writers predicts will happen on Saturday between the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

Matt Galatzan, Managing Editor

It goes without saying that this is the biggest matchup in college football this season, and will shape both the Big Ten and CFP races. 

And considering the Wolverines will not have Jim Harbaugh on the sidelines, they will be at a massive disadvantage. If he were there, I might give Michigan the edge, but as it stands, I have the Buckeyes in a close one.

Ohio State - 20, Michigan - 16

Caleb Spinner, Staff Writer

Kyle McCord, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka all said during Ohio State's player media availability they have not been paying attention to the off-the-field drama with Michigan during preparation for this game. I don't believe them.

The mood in Columbus, in my opinion, is the most aggressive it has ever been toward their rivals amidst the sign-stealing and in-person scouting investigations involving coach Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines program. It is my belief that Saturday will be a no-holds-barred unleashing of that anger from Ohio State against Michigan.

The Maize and Blue will keep things close, but the Scarlet and Gray will have the final word as they prevent their rivals from completing a three-peat in college football's greatest rivalry.

Ohio State - 24, Michigan - 21

Cole Thompson, Staff Writer

It's a lose-lose in Columbus for the Buckeyes from the outside noise. If they win, fans will say it was only because Jim Harbaugh stood on the sidelines. Should they lose, Ryan Day would move to 1-3 in "The Game," with one defeat coming to interim coach Sherrone Moore. 

Do you think Ohio State fans care about how its team wins? Do you think they'll care when a trip to Indianapolis ends with a Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth? Kyle McCord can't turn the ball over, and the defense has to make J.J. McCarthy sling it around the yard. 

Ultimately, one team has Marvin Harrison Jr. and the other doesn't. It worked for the Buckeyes when they played Penn State. It'll work in Ann Arbor to end the losing streak. 

Ohio State - 23, Michigan - 17

Gaurav Law, Staff Writer

Just as the Wolverines seem to be losing big pieces at the end of the season — Harbaugh and former linebackers coach Chris Partridge — the Buckeyes seem to be getting all their starters back.

With a fully healthy offense and defense, Ohio State is in a position to take care of business. Something they have that Michigan doesn't is when McCord is off, the backfield will carry the load and vice versa. I'm not so sure you can say the same for McCarthy because the run game has been going for them the whole season.

Of course, junior running back Donovan Edwards killed the Buckeye pass rush last year and they haven't skipped a beat this year. Even if Ohio State somewhat struggles on offense, they can't afford to give up big plays on the ground to Corum, Edwards or McCarthy — and I don't think they will.

Ohio State - 27, Michigan - 22