The 120th edition of ‘The Game’ will take place this Saturday in Ann Arbor, pitting No. 1 Ohio State against rival No. 18 Michigan. The Wolverines have won four consecutive meetings in the matchup, which features the last two National Champions.
Along with being one of the best rivalries in all of college football, this game holds massive implications for the College Football Playoff race. The Buckeyes have been the No. 1 team in all three installments of the College Football Playoff Rankings, and could suffer a massive hit if they lose their fifth consecutive rivalry matchup to the Wolverines.
For Michigan, it has won five consecutive games since suffering a 31-13 road loss at USC on Oct. 11. If it can down its rival on Saturday, it would take a 10-2 (8-1) record into the College Football Playoff Selection Show. It may be too late for Sherrone Moore‘s squad, but they would certainly be in the conversation for an at-large bid.
Ahead of that matchup on Saturday, College Football Hall of Famer Urban Meyer made his pick for ‘The Game’. Meyer spent seven seasons as the head coach of Ohio State (2012-2018), where he was 7-0 against Michigan.
Meyer tabs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate as keys in game for Ohio State
“Two names: Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate,” Meyer said. “If they play, they cover. If they don’t, they won’t. I still think the Buckeyes win, I just don’t see the Wolverines moving the ball against that defense. I don’t. All I can say is Vegas thinks it’s down to 10.5. Does Vegas know something?”
“I could make a phone call and figure out if those two players are playing, but I won’t do that. I don’t wanna know. At some point I’d say something on purpose I don’t know. But if those two, maybe the two best receivers in college football, play then I think it’s a two score game. If they don’t, I think it’ll be a little tighter, but I think the Buckeyes still win.”
Smith and Tate both missed Ohio State‘s game on Saturday against Rutgers. On the season, the duo has combined for 108 catches, 1,613 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. Their presence will be key for quarterback Julian Sayin, who is making his first start in the rivalry on Saturday.
Since Meyer stepped down as head coach following the 2018 season, the rivalry has been completely turned on its head. From 2012-2019, Ohio State won eight consecutive games against Michigan. The Wolverines however have now won four consecutive games in the rivalry, including a 13-10 victory over the eventual National Champions last season in Columbus.
Kick-off for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET. The game can be seen on FOX.
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